20–21 August 2025 in Horsham saw farmers, business leaders, Traditional Owners, local councils, industry and community voices from across the Wimmera Southern Mallee come together for the next step in the Regional Energy Accord journey.
Supported by Wimmera Southern Mallee Development and guided by local champion Chris Sounness, the two days began with a focus on business preparedness and ended with a powerful roundtable. Along the way, participants reflected on what the energy transition means for their region: the opportunities, the risks and what must change if trust is to be rebuilt.
Conversations grounded in honesty, concern and hope
From the outset, clarity rang through:
- Trust comes first – return on trust must come before return on investment.
- Communities are not just hosts – benefits must be tangible, local and fairly shared.
- Housing and workforce matter – liveability is as important as infrastructure.
- Developers must front up – long-term relationships, not fly-in, fly-out transactions.
- Respectful difference is essential – disagreement is inevitable, but division is not.
Participants spoke of broken promises, fragmented planning and divisions between neighbours. Yet, just as strongly, they spoke of aspiration, intergenerational pride and the chance to leave a legacy of fairness and resilience.
Local voices, national lessons
The Wimmera Southern Mallee has long been a powerhouse of agriculture and collaboration. Now, with billions of dollars of renewable energy projects in the pipeline, it stands at the frontline of Australia’s energy transition.
The message from Horsham was clear: the opportunity of the Regional Energy Accord is to ensure that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past. It can set a new standard – one where communities lead, benefits are real and trust is earned through action, not words.
Looking ahead
These weren’t easy conversations. They surfaced fear and frustration, but also courage and clarity about what’s needed. Above all, they reminded us that the energy transition is not just about projects and infrastructure – it’s about people, places and the future we leave to the next generation.
Thank you to the people of the Wimmera Southern Mallee for your candour, resilience and generosity, and to Chris Sounness and WSM Development for your leadership in bringing the community together.
The Regional Energy Accord now looks forward to the next stage, carrying the lessons of Horsham into the national process.