Energy Ministers release National Guidelines for Community Engagement and Benefits for Electricity Transmission Projects
Publication date
Energy and Climate Ministers have released new guidelines to help improve community engagement and benefit sharing for new transmission projects. The guidelines reinforce the importance of working with communities in an open and fair way.
The guidelines are primarily for organisations that plan, build and operate transmission lines. They set out principles for undertaking meaningful engagement with host communities.
In practice they will improve community participation to identify and minimise impacts. They will also ensure local benefits that match community priorities.
The principles can be adapted to different community and project needs. This includes principles for considering cultural and heritage priorities for First Nations communities.
The guidelines were developed and refined through consultation and advice from:
- community, farmer, First Nations and industry groups
- transmission developers
- energy market bodies
- representatives from local, state and territory government.
These guidelines supplement mandatory activities of transmission developers. When applied, they will improve community trust and acceptance. This will also help to streamline projects and support positive outcomes.
