Regional communities across Australia are leading the way in developing innovative housing solutions alongside the renewable energy rollout, a new report by RE-Alliance shows.
Released today, 'How Australia's shift to renewable energy can deliver beneficial outcomes for regional housing' highlights examples from NSW, Victoria and Queensland where local councils, communities and renewable energy companies are working together to turn temporary workforce accommodation into long-term housing assets.
From refurbished aged-care homes and community-owned rental housing to new modular neighbourhoods and upgraded infrastructure, regional communities are already delivering clever, future-focused solutions.
While celebrating these locally-led case studies, the report also explores the common barriers to implementing better housing outcomes through renewable energy development, and stresses that local communities and renewable energy companies cannot overcome these barriers without state and federal government support.
With thousands of workers required in the regions for renewable energy and transmission projects, rural and regional communities have a unique opportunity to turn short-term demand into long-term housing supply.
The report calls for:
More state and federal funding for councils to help them plan for housing and infrastructure early
Clearer rules and frameworks that encourage temporary accommodation to become legacy housing
Support for essential infrastructure (roads, water, sewer, power) so councils can open new land for homes in areas where they are needed
Stronger partnerships between communities, councils and renewable energy developers.
RE-Alliance National Director Andrew Bray said:
"In our work with rural and regional communities, we increasingly hear about the potential impact on local housing and accommodation that an increase in workers for renewable energy and transmission projects can bring.
"Many regions are already experiencing housing shortages, making this issue particularly pressing for communities expecting multiple, concurrent project developments, bringing many hundreds of workers into local areas.
"Mitigating the risks and potential impacts associated with short term workers' accommodation is a core requirement for any new development. However, as we show in the case studies in this report, where local communities and local governments are supported, it is possible to go beyond simple impact mitigation and deliver legacy housing outcomes for regional communities," Mr Bray said.
Across the six case studies, a key theme emerges: when local councils have the resources to plan early and work closely with communities and developers, they can secure long-term housing benefits that last well beyond construction.
The case studies include:
Wellington (NSW): Refurbishment of a former aged-care facility for worker accommodation. The facility will become a community asset that can transition into housing or other uses after the renewable energy construction phase is complete.
Rockhampton & Gracemere (QLD): Modular workforce villages designed from the start to become vibrant permanent communities.
Mortlake (VIC): A renewable energy company investing in crisis-housing development for women and children escaping family violence.
Uralla (NSW): A Council-led local housing strategy ensuring a renewable energy zone leaves a legacy of affordable and diverse housing.
Wimmera (VIC): Community Special Purpose Vehicles delivering long-term housing built by locals, for locals.
Dubbo (NSW): New infrastructure (roads, sewer, electricity) for temporary workers site built to permanent residential standards, meaning after construction the site will be returned to the local council for future housing development.
