Clean Energy Council proposes renewable resources payment to regional councils
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) announced a legislated Renewable Resources Payment scheme at the Australian Clean Energy Summit in Sydney. Chief executive Jackie Trad said the plan would levy a fixed charge on every megawatt‑hour of renewable electricity and pay the proceeds directly to the local councils that host the infrastructure, creating a permanent income stream similar to the royalty models used for coal and gas.
Trad described the current “patchwork” of community benefit funds, grants and ad‑hoc payments as ineffective, noting a 92 % dissatisfaction rate among regional residents in a 2024 Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner review. The scheme is intended to replace that fragmented approach with a transparent, long‑term payment system, thereby rebuilding trust in the renewables rollout.
Local Government NSW President Darcy Byrne praised the proposal, saying it would help regional communities share in the wealth generated by renewable projects and strengthen local support for the energy transition.
Entities
Australian Clean Energy Summit · Australian Clean Energy Summit · Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner · Australian Government · Clean Energy Council · Darcy Byrne · Jackie Trad · Local Government NSW
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 5 SOURCES] Clean Energy Council chief executive Jackie Trad called for a legislated Renewable Resources Payment, a fixed charge on every megawatt‑hour of renewable electricity paid directly to local councils the www.stockandland.com.au · www.stockjournal.com.au · www.theland.com.au · www.farmweekly.com.au · insidelocalgovernment.com.au
- [● 4 SOURCES] A 2024 Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner review found a 92 % dissatisfaction rate among community members regarding developer engagement. www.stockandland.com.au · www.stockjournal.com.au · www.theland.com.au · www.farmweekly.com.au
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Clean Energy Council proposed a legislated Renewable Resources Payment scheme. www.stockandland.com.au · www.stockjournal.com.au · www.theland.com.au · www.farmweekly.com.au · insidelocalgovernment.com.au
- [● 5 SOURCES] The scheme would charge a fixed amount per megawatt‑hour of renewable electricity, paid to local councils hosting the infrastructure. www.stockandland.com.au · www.stockjournal.com.au · www.theland.com.au · www.farmweekly.com.au · insidelocalgovernment.com.au
- [● 5 SOURCES] The proposal aims to replace the existing patchwork of community benefit funds, grants and sponsorships with a permanent payment system. www.stockandland.com.au · www.stockjournal.com.au · www.theland.com.au · www.farmweekly.com.au · insidelocalgovernment.com.au
- [● 5 SOURCES] Jackie Trad said the fundamental problem the industry faces is a lack of trust in regional and rural Australia. www.stockandland.com.au · www.stockjournal.com.au · www.theland.com.au · www.farmweekly.com.au · insidelocalgovernment.com.au
- [● 5 SOURCES] The payment model would be similar to royalty schemes used for Australia’s coal and gas industries. www.stockandland.com.au · www.stockjournal.com.au · www.theland.com.au · www.farmweekly.com.au · insidelocalgovernment.com.au
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The rate and design of the Renewable Resources Payment scheme will be developed in consultation with stakeholders and regional communities. insidelocalgovernment.com.au
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Local Government NSW President Darcy Byrne welcomed the Renewable Resources Payment proposal. insidelocalgovernment.com.au
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Clean Energy Council will replace current community benefit funds with a permanent income model similar to coal and gas royalty payments. www.stockandland.com.au · www.stockjournal.com.au · www.theland.com.au · www.farmweekly.com.au
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Clean Energy Council proposes a legislated Renewable Resources Payment that charges a fixed amount per megawatt‑hour of renewable electricity and pays it directly to the local councils hosting the www.stockandland.com.au · www.stockjournal.com.au · www.theland.com.au · www.farmweekly.com.au · insidelocalgovernment.com.au