Beyond Co-existence: Can Regions Shape Their Energy Future?

Can regions move beyond simply responding to the energy transition and start shaping it? While much of the national conversation focuses on the politics of renewable energy, regional communities are getting on with the job of managing change, balancing risk and opportunity, and planning for their future. In this episode, Wendy Agar speaks with Chris Sounness, CEO of Wimmera Southern Mallee Development, about one of Australia's most innovative approaches to regional collaboration. Together they explore the lessons from the  nationally recognised Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Energy Collaboration, why renewable energy host landholders need support beyond commercial agreements, and why Chris believes it's time to move beyond co-existence and rethink the relationship between agriculture and renewable energy.  why Chris has coined the term ‘Agri Energy’Together Chris and Wendy explore: Why collaboration matters during the energy transition. Lessons from the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Energy Collaboration. Supporting renewable energy host landholders. Why "co-existence" is no longer enough. How Agri-Energy could help regional Australia thrive. This episode is part of the Regions at the Helm series, supported by The Energy Charter, exploring how regional communities can help shape better outcomes through the energy transition. If you work in renewable energy, community engagement, agriculture, local government or regional development, this conversation offers practical insights into how communities, industry and government can work together to shape better outcomes.   Produced at ⁠The Podcast Boss⁠ ⁠podcast studio in Brisbane