Discover what the 60+ land agents and community engagement professionals got up to at our 3rd National Landholder Engagement Training in September 2024, in Wagga Wagga NSW.
What did the training participants get up to?
On Monday, 2 September 2024, renewable developer and transmission engagement professionals arrived at the Transgrid Discovery Hub in Wagga Wagga for a day packed with insights, networking and celebrating!
The training kicked off with:
- A deep dive into what social licence is, where we prioritised trust and established each other’s values before moving into the session
- Learning about renewable energy development in NSW with Suzanne Westgate, General Manager of Land, Property + Approvals at Transgrid, including what Transgrid is doing to ensure genuine long-term partnerships with landholders and community benefits are delivered within the regions most impacted by transmission projects
- Listening, learning and asking questions to the Landholder Insights Panels with:
- Justine Campbell, CEO Regional Development Australia Orana
- Charlie Prell, ex Chair Farmers for Climate Action
- Lee Kingma, Tumut landholder
- Joy Thomas, Chair Ag Energy Social Licence Roundtable
- Facilitated by our CEO, Sabiene Heindl
- Drinks, canapes and networking, where Wendy Agar from Engaged Outcomes launched the emPOWER Podcast, a tailor-made for those driving the energy transition on the ground in regional Australia and proudly supported by the Energy Charter
- Collaboratively creating an artwork to commemorate this training with First Nations artist Luke Penrith Arts and Designs.
emPOWER Podcast launch with Engaged Outcomes
Launching at the networking function, podcast host Wendy Agar from Engaged Outcomes introduced all the emPOWER Podcast: a podcast tailor-made for those driving the energy transition on the ground in regional Australia
We kicked off with a bang, with our inaugural guest none other than Andrew Dyer, former Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner!
Perfect for anyone committed to supporting and understanding our regional communities, this podcast is your go-to resource for effective, respectful engagement during this pivotal time. Stay connected, stay informed, and make a positive impact!
Communicating controversial projects with Risk Communications Specialist
We were thrilled to have Kelly Parkinson, Risk Communication Specialist, running targeted training at our National Landholder Engagement Training on Day 2. Kelly’s rich experience includes working internationally with the community on their concerns about a range of projects.
This theory and practice workshop included:
- An introduction to outrage management and audiences
- “See-saws” or what makes it counter intuitive
- Role pay exercises using the “see-saws” theory
- New messaging approach
- Outrage factors presentation and exercices
- From fight to fix and barriers
A night of celebrating + learning at the National Landholder Engagement Training Dinner
After an intensive day of risk communications practical training, participants were ready for something special, and what better way to wind down than by heading for the hills?
We indulged in a delightful paddock-to-plate dinner experience, fully immersing ourselves in the heart of this incredible regional community of Wagga Wagga. It was a perfect opportunity to connect with the locals and appreciate the beauty and bounty of the region.
A huge shoutout to Janine Young, Ombudsman at Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) and Rod Stowe, former Independent Community and Consumer Advocate at Transgrid, for sharing their wisdom and insights with us. Your guidance continues to inspire us to do better by landholders and communities in regional Australia as we navigate the energy transition.
Exploring renewable energy infrastructure in Wagga Wagga
The final day of the National Landholder Engagement Training was a sea of high-vis! On Day 3, our 60+ renewable energy engagement enthusiasts wrapped up our training with a full-day adventure, exploring some of the most significant renewable energy infrastructure in the Wagga Wagga region.
It was amazing to witness the spirit of collaboration in action. Seeing so much sharing between industry folk—from renewable energy to transmission and distribution—was truly inspiring.
Where did our land agents and community engagement pros visit?
- Tetris Battery Storage Facility + Solar Farm: We kicked off the day by getting firsthand insights into this innovative project’s progress
- Gregadoo Substation Works: Next stop, the Wagga 330kV Substation—where we got up close and personal with the heart of the region’s energy distribution
- Landholder for Project EnergyConnect: We learned from a landholder and observed tower erection in action across three adjoining holdings as part of Project EnergyConnect. Truly a sight to behold!
- Lockhart Camp: A quick visit to the temporary construction camp and laydown area gave us a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes logistics
- Transmission Towers: We saw transmission towers at various stages of construction, each one a step closer to powering our future
- Bomen Solar Farm: Our final stop brought us to this fully operational solar farm, where we met the host landholder and learned about the farm’s day-to-day operations.
This bus tour wasn’t just about seeing renewable energy in action—it was about connecting with the landholders who play such a critical role in these projects. Their insights are always invaluable as we strive to innovate and improve in this space.
Are you interested in joining future training?
Let us know below if you’d like to attend future National Landholder Engagement Training and be the first to hear about the upcoming dates and topics as well as receive the link to register before it goes out to the public! Email us at director@theenergycharter.com.au.
