Media Release: Coalition Bill to Strengthen Community Protections in Renewable Energy Rollout

Coalition Bill to Strengthen Community Protections in Renewable Energy Rollout

Today the Shadow Minister for Energy will deliver the Coalition’s Second Reading speech on the Energy & Other Legislation Amendment (Renewable Energy Infrastructure) Bill 2026.

This Bill, in its long title, seeks to strengthen planning laws for renewable energy by requiring decommissioning planning for infrastructure, mandating environment protection licences for solar projects, and imposing conditions on development consents for solar and wind infrastructure.

Member for Albury Justin Clancy said the focus of any energy legislation must be on protecting communities, supporting industry certainty, and lowering costs for households.

“Regional communities across the Albury electorate including those around Gerogery and Yambla Range want renewable energy done right: with fairness, transparency and accountability,” Mr Clancy said.

“Requiring upfront planning for decommissioning is sensible, renewable infrastructure does not last forever, and regional landholders need certainty about end-of-life obligations and liabilities long before construction begins. Clear licence conditions and decommissioning plans will help protect land and local amenity and avoid unwanted surprises decades down the track.

“But community confidence will only grow if this Bill is backed by better engagement and stronger protections for host communities, not just another box-ticking exercise.”

Mr Clancy also emphasised that energy policy should always prioritise affordability and reliability, especially for families and small businesses struggling under rising energy costs.

“Affordable and reliable energy underpins regional jobs and cost-of-living relief, without that we risk pushing up bills for families and eroding industry confidence,” he said.

“We welcome elements of this Bill that bring greater certainty into the system, but the Government must go further to safeguard regional communities and ensure renewable rollout is responsible and respectful.”