Advocating for regional equity on the road to net zero
Regional Cities NSW (RCNSW) has formally responded to the NSW Government’s Net Zero Commission Consultation Paper, strongly advocating for a just transition that puts regional communities at the heart of the energy shift.
The commission sought feedback on how our state can meet its legislated net zero emissions targets by 2050.
With regional NSW hosting much of the infrastructure needed to achieve this - including Renewable Energy Zones (REZs), battery storage and transmission networks - we believe regional voices must shape the plan, not just support it.
Our key recommendations include:
Stronger support for local government: All RCNSW member councils have adopted climate strategies aligned with state and national net zero goals. However, implementation is being hampered by rate pegging and limited funding. A permanent Local Climate Action Fund and co-investment in Revolving Energy Funds is needed.
Meaningful community engagement in REZs: Community opposition is growing in some areas due to a lack of transparent consultation and tangible benefits. We believe there needs to be legislated benefit-sharing mechanisms to return economic and social value to host communities.
Clearer adaptation and resilience planning: Flooding across regional NSW has shown how vulnerable regional communities are to climate change. Adaption metrics need to be better integrated into state monitoring frameworks and our communities need more strategic investment in resilient infrastructure.
Support for under-resourced councils: With capacity and skills shortages common in regional NSW, the State Government should fund dedicated sustainability officers and establish shared technical services hubs.
Regional Cities NSW remains committed to helping our state meet its emissions targets through inclusive, fair and well-resourced pathways.
You can read our full submission here.
To learn more about the Net Zero Commission, go to the commission’s website.
