Why we need a Regional Energy Accord.. and why it matters

The energy transition is reshaping regional Australia, bringing with it significant opportunities and real challenges for regional communities that are bigger than any single project and bigger than any single region.

Right now, every region is negotiating fairness from scratch – that isn’t sustainable.

The Regional Energy Accord is a voluntary, national agreement built by and led by regional communities, for regional communities, that will set shared high-level principles for how communities, industry, government and others can navigate the energy transition as partners.

These principles can then be leveraged to create and implement place-based agreements centred around local communities, people and knowledge.

Together, we can build thriving, resilient regional communities that are active partners in Australia’s renewable energy future. With an estimated $1.9 billion in benefits by 2050: Billions in the Bush Report, the Accord can offer a clear pathway to foster partnership, prosperity, innovation and pride in regional Australia through collaborative commitments. 

Regional communities are ready to lead – not just host – Australia’s renewable energy future.
Cathy McGowan

Where are we on the journey?

PHASE 1: Listening to regional communities (Q3 2025 - Q1 2026)
PHASE 2: Draft the Regional Energy Accord, architecture + governance (Q2-Q3 2026)
PHASE 3: Launch the Regional Energy Accord (Late 2026)

A series of Roundtables in regional communities across Victoria and New South Wales to listen to local priorities, challenge and opportunities and discuss what a Regional Energy Accord might look like in practice.

Use the insights from regions across Australia to inform the first national version of the Regional Energy Accord, a living framework that sets shared principles while encouraging place-based commitments.

Launch of the Regional Energy Accord, its governance and architecture to support the implementation of the Accord nationally and regionally.

Explore the Roundtables

Who is involved?

  • Community leaders
  • Business leaders
  • Youth leaders
  • First Nations representatives
  • Government
  • Academics
  • Regional Energy Accord Community Outcomes Group
  • Regional Energy Accord Industry Outcomes Group
  • The Energy Charter
  • The Energy Charter CEO Council.

What we've heard so far

Since August last year, we’ve spoken with 400+ people at Roundtables held in regional communities across Victoria and New South Wales.

While every region is unique and different, common challenges and aspirations are emerging:

  1. Focus on trust – see all actions and activities in the energy transition through the lens of trust
  2. Regional Leaders can be better supported
  3. Respect First Nations and Traditional Owners
  4. Community engagement must be coordinated and meaningful to influence outcomes, but engagement alone is not enough
  5. Cumulative impacts must be mapped and addressed proactively
  6. Legacy benefits must be determined by and for communities with a focus on longer term regional development opportunities
  7. Transparency and accountability are key to building and maintaining trust in the energy transition.