Locals lead the charge: Regional NSW turns sunshine into community solutions
Three NSW renewable energy projects have been recognised in the Climate Council’s inaugural awards for delivering affordable energy, job opportunities, and fairer access to clean power for local communities.
Three renewable energy projects based in New South Wales have been recognised in the Climate Council’s first-ever Choice Awards for delivering lasting benefits to local communities.
From career pathways for women in solar to shared power for renters and a large-scale solar farm that supports both farming and festivals, these projects show how renewable energy can offer more than just electricity.
Making solar fairer for everyone
The Haystacks Solar Garden in Grong Grong, Riverina, was awarded in the Solar Saver category. It's Australia’s first community solar garden, designed to help people who can’t put panels on their own roof—like renters and apartment residents—access the benefits of solar.
Farmer and host Gemma Meier receives a lease payment for the solar garden, but says the social side is what matters most. “It’s the community benefit that really appeals to me,” she said.
Local pensioner Elizabeth Gay Campbell, who lives in rented housing, now shares in the solar garden’s output thanks to a subsidised share supported by other members.
Creating new careers for women
At Bomen Solar Farm near Wagga Wagga, the Women in Renewables award recognised a program that opens up solar work for women, an industry where they’ve traditionally been underrepresented.
Naomie Falconer took part in the farm’s Women in Solar program five years ago. Since then, she’s worked across NSW and Victoria and now leads as a mechanical supervisor. “Some days can be tough, but I learn something new every day,” she said.
Bomen Solar Farm is also home to local beekeeper Ben Hinkelmann’s hives. The bees have thrived among the solar arrays, with hundreds of hives brought in during yellow box blossom.
Sheep, solar and local events
The New England Solar Farm near Uralla was recognised in the Greener Grazing category. It spans part of grazier Simon Wood’s property, where sheep graze under and around the panels. According to Wood, “The panels take the brunt of the sun in summer and help protect the grass from frost in winter.”
The project also supports local events, including the Season of New England festival, which draws around 8,000 visitors to the region. Business owner and event organiser Tara Toomey says the solar farm has contributed $5,000 annually, and supplies staff to help run the water tent at the bottle-free event.
National support for local energy
Renewable energy now provides around 40% of power in Australia’s main grid, and research by the Climate Council shows that two-thirds of Australians support renewable energy projects—including those built in their own communities.
“These awards show that renewables are delivering for everyday Aussies—cleaner power, lower bills, and stronger communities are just some of the brilliant benefits of a national renewable power system,” said Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie.
She added: “To protect Australians from the worst effects of climate change and address cost of living pressures, whoever forms the next government must maintain momentum by supporting and investing in more projects like the 11 we have awarded.”
