emPOWER: Voices of the Regional Energy Shift

When major projects are proposed, a lot of attention is given to managing risk and avoiding harm, and while those things matter, they're only part of the picture. What if we asked a different question? What does it look like to create genuine value for communities? In this episode of emPOWER, Wendy Agar speaks with Professor Sara Bice from the Australian National University and social impact specialist Richard Parsons about the relationship between social licence, social risk, social impact and social value and why the language we use matters. Together, they explore whether projects can become so focused on managing what could go wrong that they miss opportunities to create meaningful and lasting benefits for communities. Wendy, Sara and Richard unpack: The difference between social licence, social risk, social impact and social value• Why social value is about far more than community benefit funds• The relationship between community engagement and social impact assessment• Why trust, participation and legitimacy matter• How projects can move beyond risk management to creating genuine community value• What good practice looks like across the life of a project This conversation challenges some of the most common assumptions in project development and offers practical insights for people working in renewable energy, infrastructure, government, mining, community engagement and social impact. This episode is part of our Working in the Middle: Engagement on the Ground During the Energy Transition series, proudly supported by Powerlink Queensland. Produced at ⁠The Podcast Boss⁠ ⁠podcast studio in Brisbane

We often assume that if people just had more information, they’d understand, but in contested environments, communication is rarely just about the facts. Across the energy transition, many conversations are shaped by something much deeper — trust, identity, social dynamics, lived experience and whether people feel there’s an “us and them” divide. In this episode of emPOWER, Wendy Agar speaks with Dr Rebecca Colvin from Australian National University about what’s really happening underneath community responses to change, and why even well-intentioned communication can land very differently depending on who’s hearing it. Drawing on her research into the social dynamics of renewable energy conflict, Rebecca explores why people can look at the exact same landscape and see completely different things, how group identity shapes trust and decision-making, and why relationships matter far more than “perfect messaging.” Together, Wendy and Rebecca unpack: Why conflict around renewable energy is often about far more than infrastructure The hidden role of identity, belonging and “us vs them” dynamics Why you can’t “out-data outrage” The communication mistakes organisations often make, even with good intentions What it means to “communicate like a cubist” Four practical strategies for communicating across difference in contested environments Why trust is built through relationships, not collateral This episode is part of our Working in the Middle: Engagement on the Ground During the Energy Transition series, proudly supported by Powerlink Queensland. If you work in engagement, government, renewable energy, infrastructure, leadership or community development, this conversation offers practical insights into how we navigate complexity, conflict and communication in a more human way. Produced at ⁠The Podcast Boss⁠ ⁠podcast studio in Brisbane

Are we hearing from the community, or just the people most motivated to speak? In this episode of emPOWER, Wendy Agar is joined by Dr Kieren Moffat (CEO and Co-founder of Voconiq) to unpack a question many of us grapple with in regional Australia: Who is actually shaping the conversation? Because while meetings, submissions and media can make it feel like communities are deeply divided, the data tells a different story. Research from Powerlink Queensland shows most people don’t participate in engagement at all, while a small group shows up again and again. So what does that mean for how we interpret “community sentiment”? And what if the way we design engagement is part of the problem? This conversation challenges a core assumption: Engagement doesn’t just capture community views, it can shape what we hear. In this episode, we cover: Why the “loud minority” can dominate — and what that means for decision-making How common engagement approaches can unintentionally skew what we hear The impact of engagement fatigue when multiple projects hit a region at once What better engagement design looks like in practice If you work in renewable energy, transmission, stakeholder engagement, land access or project development in regional Australia, this episode offers a clear, practical lens on how to design engagement that reflects the full community — not just the voices we hear most often. This episode is part of the Working in the Middle: Engagement on the Ground During the Energy Transition series, supported by Powerlink Queensland. Produced at ⁠The Podcast Boss⁠ ⁠podcast studio in Brisbane

Women make up around 3% of on-site trades roles in the energy sector. At the same time, Australia’s energy transition is facing one of the largest workforce challenges in its history. So what needs to change if the industry is serious about attracting, and keeping, women in energy? In this episode of emPOWER, Wendy Agar brings listeners inside the conversations from the PowerUp International Women’s Day event in Kingaroy, where more than 150 women in high-vis and their allies came together to share their experiences of working across the energy sector. Joining Wendy are two women helping drive change across the industry: Mel Street — electrical tradie, founder of Lady Tradies and Rocking Chicks, and co-founder of the PowerUp network. Dr Liz Beavis — engineer working in asset and risk management in renewables and co-chair of the Clean Energy Council’s Onshore Wind and Utility Scale Solar Directorate. Together they unpack the real issues raised by women working across regional and site-based energy roles, including: Supporting boots-on-the-ground women in energy• Why mentoring and leadership pathways matter• Practical barriers still affecting women on site• Why the energy transition needs to actively welcome women into the workforce• What industry leaders, project managers and colleagues can do tomorrow to help balance the scales At its heart, this conversation comes back to one idea: The energy transition will require a massive workforce, and the industry cannot afford to overlook half the talent available to it. If you work in renewables, engagement, land access, community relations or project development in regional Australia, this episode offers practical insight into building a stronger, safer and more inclusive energy sector. The energy transition isn’t just about infrastructure. It’s about people. Produced at our The Podcast Boss podcast studio in Brisbane

In this thought-leaders episode of emPOWER, host Wendy Agar speaks with one of Australia’s most experienced energy leaders — Paul Binsted, Chair of Energy Corporation of NSW and former Chair of Stanwell Corporation in Queensland. With deep experience across corporate finance, infrastructure, generation, and transmission,Paul brings unmatched insight into the reality of Australia’s energy transition. In this conversation, he breaks down a complex system with clarity, exploring what it really takes to deliver abundant, affordable, and reliable energy while ensuring regional communities share in the benefits of a fair transition. Together, Wendy and Paul unpack big questions shaping Australia’s energy future, including: The current state of the energy transition across the country — and what it means for host communities Why abundant and reliable energy underpins a thriving, modern society The importance of genuine engagement, good-neighbour behaviour, and working with a generosity of spirit The three priorities Paul believes Australia must get right for communities to adapt and thrive What success could look like in 2035 — for both the energy system and the regions powering it This episode is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, partnering with communities to deliver the Regional Energy Accord — bringing people, industry, and government together to guide the transition and create real local outcomes. Settle in for a thoughtful, clear, and timely discussion with Paul Binsted — and discover what a fair and prosperous energy future could look like for regional Australia. Produced by The Podcast Boss

In this thought-leaders episode of emPOWER, host Wendy Agar speaks with two passionate regional advocates — Mayor Andrew Smith from Western Downs Regional Council in Queensland and Tracy Lefroy, former Shire President of Moora in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt — about what it takes to lead communities through change in Australia’s energy transition. While their regions are at different stages of renewable energy development, both Councils are navigating the same challenge — guiding their communities through rapid change while keeping politics out of it. They talk candidly about the bravery and leadership required to bring people along, the importance of communication, transparency, and collaboration, and why communities need to be partners, not passengers, in shaping their energy future. Together, they unpack: How councils can and must help their regions adapt and thrive through change The need for genuine partnership, open dialogue, and confident and informed decision-making Why diversification and co-existence are key to sustainable regional economies Their vision for a fair transition where, in their words, “regions are partners in progress, not casualties of change.” Join Wendy, Andrew, and Tracy as they explore how Australia can meet its national energy needs while ensuring regional communities share in the benefits — and the future — of a fair transition. emPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO-led collaboration across the national energy sector. They partner with communities to create a Regional Energy Accord that guides the transition and delivers real local outcomes. Produced by The Podcast Boss

In this thought leaders episode of emPOWER, Wendy Agar speaks with Michael Katz, CEO of RELA, about one of the biggest questions in Australia’s energy transition: how do we meet national energy needs without sidelining the farmers and communities who host the projects? Michael doesn’t mince words. His vision is clear: landholders must be partners, not bystanders. As he puts it, “everyone benefits or loses together”—and the only way forward is genuine collaboration that values all perspectives and negotiates from there. From his work with RELA, Michael unpacks: The current context in regional australia How the future of farming is shifting—where food, fibre, clean energy, biodiversity, and decarbonisation can all co-exist Why co-existence isn’t compromise, but a path to greater productivity and resilience What success in 2035 could look like if farmers and communities are truly at the centre Whether you’re in energy, government, or regional development, this episode challenges assumptions and makes the case that putting land at the heart of the transition is the only way to secure fair and lasting outcomes. emPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO-led collaboration across the national energy sector. They partner with communities to create a Regional Energy Accord that guides the transition and delivers real local outcomes. Produced by The Podcast Boss

In this episode of emPOWER, Wendy Agar sits down with Karen Cain—a Gippsland farmer, former CEO of the Latrobe Valley Authority, and now an international researcher and advisor on the energy transition. Karen’s career has been shaped by her commitment to helping regions navigate big change while building on their strengths. From her vantage point in Gippsland—an energy-producing powerhouse for more than 130 years—Karen reflects on how this new phase of the region’s story can be an opportunity, not just a challenge. She shares the importance of knitting together lessons learned elsewhere with what’s known locally, and bringing all stakeholders into the conversation so that truly place-based solutions can emerge. Together, they explore: The unique strengths regional Australian communities bring in this shift The three pillars of regional development and why they matter for every community Why place-based solutions are essential for lasting benefits How individuals—no matter their role—can contribute to the change Whether you’re working in policy, leading projects, or navigating big changes in your own town, this conversation offers practical ways to ensure regional voices are at the centre of the energy shift and communities can see, and seize, the opportunity ahead. emPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO-led collaboration across the national energy sector. They partner with communities to create a Regional Energy Accord that guides the transition and delivers real local outcomes. Produced by The Podcast Boss

In this episode, Wendy Agar sits down with strategic communications expert Joanna Stevens, founder of Premier Strategy, to unpack what it takes to genuinely work with—not just in—regional communities. With decades of experience across journalism, government communications, and corporate engagement in infrastructure and renewables, Jo and her team deliver engagement services across Australia. She brings sharp insight and practical strategies for anyone navigating the complex space between policy, projects, and people. Together, they explore:• The key ingredients for meaningful, regionally grounded engagement• What it takes to be the right fit for engagement work in the regions• How to ‘ground truth’ yourself in a community when you're not local• Five strategies to set your engagement up for success from the start Whether you’re leading projects, shaping policy, or facilitating tough conversations on the ground, this episode offers a masterclass in respectful, results-focused engagement. emPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO-led collaboration across the Australian energy sector committed to delivering better outcomes for customers and communities in the energy transition. Produced by The Podcast Boss

In this episode, Wendy Agar sits down with Karin Stark – farmer, renewable energy advocate, and founder of the Renewables in Agriculture Conference – and Andrew Bomm – advisor and land management expert with hands-on experience in shared solar grazing – to explore how agriculture and solar can not only coexist but thrive together. Drawing on their deep experience across farming, energy policy, and land management, as well as insights from co-authoring the groundbreaking Pursuing an Agrivoltaics Future report, Karin and Andrew share what they’ve learned about the real opportunities — and challenges — of agrivoltaics in the Australian context. Together, they unpack: What agrivoltaics really is (and how it works) How dual land use can support farmers, build trust, and reduce conflict around large-scale solar Environmental and land management impacts — from food security to fire risk Key barriers to adoption in Australia, and how to overcome them Whether you work in engagement, energy, agriculture — or you're just curious about the future of land use in regional Australia — this episode offers practical insights, policy perspectives, and real-world examples to help you stay informed and inspired. emPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO-led collaboration across the Australian energy sector committed to delivering better outcomes for customers and communities in the energy transition.Produced by The Podcast Boss

What does it take to get the right energy projects done right—especially in regional Australia? In this episode, Wendy Agar sits down for a candid fireside chat with Sabiene Heindl, CEO of The Energy Charter (TEC), and Tom Everitt from TDC Services in Victoria. Together, they unpack what social license really means—and how to earn it one conversation, one person, and one community at a time. Drawing on real-world experience, they explore: Why social license is essential—not optional—for the energy transition The “burning platform” for engagement and what’s playing out on the ground The cultural change needed to bridge the gap between industry and community Why education alone isn’t enough—and what it takes to drive broader transformation Practical insights on training, trust-building, and turning good intentions into action Lessons from land agents, national training programs, and grassroots collaboration This is an honest, hopeful, and deeply practical discussion for anyone working in or impacted by the energy transition—whether you're in policy, development, engagement, or community leadership. This podcast is an initiative of Engaged Outcomes - a training, facilitation and engagement organisation, dedicated to building capacity, empowering people and driving lasting change for regional communities across Australia. EmPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO collaboration across the energy sector nationally, delivering better outcomes for customers and communities in the energy transition. Produced by The Podcast Boss

The energy transition is reshaping regional Australia—but how do we ensure that agriculture and community are at the table, and truly benefiting from it? In this episode Wendy Agar sits down with Jo Sheppard, CEO of the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF), to tackle the big questions at the intersection of agriculture, energy, engagement, and regional leadership. With a deep-rooted passion for agriculture and rural communities, Jo shares her insights on: Moving beyond transactional deals to create genuine, lasting benefits for farmers and communities. The biggest opportunities and challenges agriculture faces in the energy transition. Why better engagement between policymakers, energy developers, and farmers is critical—and how to make it happen. The misconceptions about modern farming that are shaping (and sometimes mis-shaping) policy and development. The next 5–10 years of ag and energy—what’s coming, and what industry partners need to consider. Learn more about the work and resources of QFF here:Energy - Queensland Farmers' Federation If you care about the future of regional Australia and how agriculture can coexist with the renewable energy shift, this episode is a must-listen. This podcast is an initiative of Engaged Outcomes - a training, facilitation and engagement organisation, dedicated to building capacity, empowering people and driving lasting change for regional communities across Australia. EmPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO collaboration across the energy sector nationally, delivering better outcomes for customers and communities in the energy transition. Produced by The Podcast Boss

In this Lighthouse Series episode of the emPOWER podcast, Wendy Agar is joined by Nils Hay, Winston Churchill Fellow and regional development leader from Western Australia. Nils recently completed his international study tour, Regional Power Surge, exploring how large-scale renewable and low-carbon energy projects are impacting regional communities across the globe. Together, Wendy and Nils explore the big question: How do we enable the energy transition to move at the pace required—while ensuring meaningful, lasting benefits for the regional communities who host the infrastructure and hold the resources? In this episode, they discuss: Global takeaways on community benefits, social license, policy, and coexistence Stories of regional communities abroad that are thriving through the transition Cautionary tales that highlight what not to do Key lessons and best practice Australia can take on board—right now How global insights can influence better outcomes in our own backyard Nils brings a grounded, real-world perspective shaped by years working across regional development and local government in Queensland and Western Australia. You can read his Churchill report here: Report Completed - Nils Hay This podcast is an initiative of Engaged Outcomes - a training, facilitation and engagement organisation, dedicated to building capacity, empowering people and driving lasting change for regional communities across Australia. EmPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO collaboration across the energy sector nationally, delivering better outcomes for customers and communities in the energy transition. Tune in to hear how we can avoid repeating mistakes, borrow from global success stories, and build a stronger, fairer transition for regional Australia. Produced by The Podcast Boss