ENERGY developers must fairly engage with the community and properly address the impacts of renewable projects on regions, NSW Farmers has told a state inquiry.

On Tuesday, the state’s peak farm body appeared at a NSW Government inquiry into renewable energy zones, saying its calls to improve community engagement around the renewable transition were still yet to be answered.

“Our members are telling us that consultation with farming regions around these projects is still dysfunctional, and this must change if we are to sustain our farming communities,” NSW Farmers’ president, Xavier Martin, said.

“Farmland we need is being taken away without proper engagement or compensation, and then there’s the huge pressure that these renewable projects are putting on local roads and towns during their construction.

“We’ve produced an updated guide to provide farmers with information in this transition, but we deserve proper communication from developers, so we get the right thing, in the right place, in the right way.”

Mr Martin said the NSW Government also had work to do to ensure farmers and communities weren’t unfairly footing the bill for direct and indirect costs and risks associated with renewable developments.

“At the moment, it seems any farmers will have to decommission these renewable installations once they reach the end of their lifespan, and anyone neighbouring a project isn’t guaranteed any compensation for the impact it has on their farm and its value,” Mr Martin said.

“Transmission lines also pose a real fire risk, and there aren’t any proper protocols in place to manage this.

“These are just some of the issues we must see fixed, so the reckless race to renewables does not come at the cost of our food and fibre, or the farm communities that produce it.”

Meanwhile, NSW Farmers says a new Albanese Government cabinet presents a fresh opportunity for the nation to secure a stronger farming future.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese early last week announced his new ministry, with Julie Collins reappointed Minister for Agriculture and Murray Watt appointed Minister for Water and the Environment.

South Australian MP Amanda Rishworth replaced Watt as the new Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, while Anika Wells replaced Michelle Rowland as Communications Minister. Meanwhile, Tim Ayers was promoted to the portfolio of Science, Industry and Innovation.

Mr Martin said as the new cabinet took office, the state’s peak farm body stood ready and willing to work with the new ministry to deliver real change for farmers and their communities.

“This new cabinet marks the start of a new era where the right calls must be made for our future – and that means real action that keeps our farmers farming,” Mr Martin said.

“Whether it’s boosting our biosecurity, upgrading our mobile coverage, ending water buybacks, or building up our agricultural workforce, there’s much to be done to keep our farmers feeding the nation, and our Ministers will be key to making that all happen.

“We stand here ready to help them make that change, deliver that reform and build the bush back better than it’s ever been before.”

Mr Martin said the work of those Ministers continuing in their portfolios was also to be acknowledged as the new cabinet prepared to be sworn in.

“We’re pleased to see Minister Collins continue as Minister for Agriculture, and we look forward to continuing our constructive work with her well into the future,” Mr Martin said.

“As new faces step into the cabinet and others continue with their important efforts, we’re keen to get boots on the ground and engage with our new government on what matters for our farmers, so we can secure a bright new era for our sector.

“Farmers are feeding the nation, clothing the nation, and now providing the energy in the landscape for the nation – so the importance of the future of farmers cannot be underestimated.”

NSW Farmers’ Media Release