Following on from my Net Zero Cities Infographic, I thought I would knock up another one for Regional Communities, with a focus on Australia. As Australia moves towards a Net Zero future, regional communities stand on the brink of a transformative era. This shift promises not only environmental benefits but also significant economic opportunities that can reshape rural Australia. As the Fossil Fuels Industry and its political “allies” lobby hard to stop this change, it’s worth taking a moment to stop and look at the many benefit this transition can potentially bring, if managed properly, and if we stop listening to disingenuous narratives about Net Zero.

Economic Stability

One of the most under-reported advantages of this transition is economic stability. Regional communities will no longer be subject to the fluctuations of global fossil fuel prices, thanks to investments in renewables and electric vehicles, where the capital cost can be fixed over decades. No more energy price hikes when global conflicts arise, resulting in greater economic resilience.

Affordable Renewable Energy

With the expansion of rooftop and ground solar, and partnerships with renewable energy developers, residents can look forward to year-round access to affordable electricity. This abundance of cheap energy will not only lower utility bills but will also provide a reliable power source for new local industries that can also thrive thanks to cheap renewables energy.

Enhancing Productivity

The integration of farming with renewable energy will enhance land productivity. Agrivoltaics is an innovative approach that allows for dual use of land, where agriculture and energy generation co-exist, leading to more efficient land use and increased yields. Land owners hosting renewables will be both farmers and energy producers.

Job Creation

The transition to a Net Zero economy has the potential to create over a million new jobs across Australia, particularly in regional areas. These jobs will span a range of sectors, from construction to maintenance, ensuring a diverse and sustainable employment landscape. These are not boom and bust jobs but long term and well paid.

Cleaner Air and Health Benefits

Moving away from fossil fuels will lead to significant public health benefits. Air pollution from burning coal is responsible for approximately 800 deaths each year in Australia, along with numerous other health issues. Transitioning to cleaner energy sources will improve air quality and health outcomes for communities living near coal power stations, fracking sites and oil & gas wells.

Energy Security

Locally generated and locally stored energy will bolster energy security, creating a more reliable local grid less prone to blackouts. This increased reliability is crucial for both residents and businesses, enhancing overall community resilience. Regional communities will no longer endure weeks without power when a pylon gets blown over.

Investment in Communities

Renewable energy developers are committing to investing in local infrastructure. This includes building new schools and hospitals, which are vital for community development and wellbeing. Additionally, these investments can address all manner of pressing local issues, such as youth crime prevention and the establishment of new libraries and aged care facilities.

Cleaner Water and Environmental Restoration

Coal mining and fracking have severely compromises water quality in parts of Australia, leading to pollution that affects groundwater and surface water sources, with detrimental impacts on both ecosystems and community health. Ending coal mining and fracking will lead to cleaner water sources, improving groundwater quality and river health.

New Industries

Abundant renewable energy will attract thousands of new industries to regional Australia, looking for cheap reliable power. We will see a rise in many new low carbon industries such as precision agriculture, fossil free fertilisers as well as large electrification support industry.

Local Investment

A significant shift will occur in spending habits. Billions of dollars previously spent on imported petrol, diesel & electricity will be spent in local businesses. This redirection of money will invigorate regional economies, creating a more sustainable financial ecosystem.

Regeneration

Net Zero will mean moving away from systems that are continually depleting natural capital, to systems that are restoring organic life. We will see the regeneration of regional landscapes, that will revitalise ecosystems, enhance biodiversity and restore natural habitats. Regeneration will boost local economies by improving agricultural productivity, and increasing resilience against climate change.

What’s not to like?

We are at the start of a Climate Crisis that is already causing untold harm to Regional Australia, and as temperatures rise, things are set to get much worse. All Australians have a chance to be part of the solution, to create a Wonderful Green Future, if we just stop listening to fossil fuels lobbyists and their politicians. The quicker we change the better and really, we don’t have a choice. “The future will be Net Zero or not at all.”

Despite what the Fossil Fuels lobbyists and their Politicians say Net Zero is a huge opportunity for Regional Australia. The journey towards a Net Zero future will involve many significant changes for regional Australia, but it is a change filled with promise. Communities that embrace clean energy and climate action stand to gain billions in economic benefits, new job opportunities, and improved health outcomes. By capitalising on these developments, regional communities can evolve from energy importers to energy producers, paving the way for a prosperous and sustainable future.

There are 1000’s of people and organisations across Australia working on this vision, here a few of note:

Farmers For Climate Action

BZE

Re-alliance

Climate Council

The Coalition for Community Energy (C4CE)

Climate Action Network Australia

Clean Energy Council

Photo by Kshithij Chandrashekar on Unsplash