Can Regions Shape Their Own Energy Future? Lessons from the New England REZ

What happens when a region doesn’t speak with one voice,  but still has to make decisions about its future? We often talk about “the regions” as if they’re one place - one voice - but on the ground, that’s just not the reality. In the New England region of New South Wales, the energy transition is playing out every day across farming communities, regional centres and local councils,with each navigating change in different ways. Some people are leaning in.  Some are pushing back.  Most are somewhere in the middle, weighing opportunity, disruption and what this means for the long-term future of their region. So what does it actually take for a region to shape its own pathway through the energy transition? Designated as a Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) and home to a growing pipeline of renewable and transmission projects, New England is right in the middle of this shift. In this episode of emPOWER, host Wendy Agar speaks with Councillor Sam Coupland (Mayor of Armidale Regional Council and Chair of the Coalition of Renewable Energy Mayors) about what the transition actually looks like from inside a region working through it in real time. This conversation goes beyond the headlines to explore what’s really happening as communities balance opportunity, uncertainty and long-term legacy. In this episode, we cover: What the New England REZ actually means for communities on the ground Why most people sit in the middle — not for or against, but weighing trade-offs The growing tension between policy ambition and lived experience Why benefits are often promised but not yet landing in communities The reality of consultation fatigue — and what meaningful engagement looks like instead How councils are working together through the Coalition of Renewable Energy Mayors What regional leaders need from industry and government right now At its heart, this conversation explores a simple idea:  Every region has the right to shape its own pathway through the energy transition. For developers, engagement professionals, land access teams and policymakers working in regional Australia, this episode offers insight into what it takes to partner thoughtfully with communities in ways that support their aspirations, priorities and identity. This episode is part of the Regions at the Helm series, supported by The Energy Charter — a national collaboration working with communities, industry and government to deliver better outcomes through the energy transition.   Produced at our The Podcast Boss podcast studio in Brisbane