The Challenge
Edify Energy is embarking on an endeavor to develop a solar farm and battery hybrid power station, located just 27 kilometers from Forbes, NSW. As part of the required Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), community engagement is a crucial aspect outlined by key documents such as SEARS and DPIE guidelines. The aim is to actively capture the views of the local community, address their questions, and offer opportunities for their suggestions. Additionally, targeted consultations with key stakeholders will play a significant role in gathering insights on the socio-economic impacts of the project.
The Solution
Edify Energy contracted Strategic for the community and stakeholder engagement for the project. To ensure effective engagement, we employed a combination of face-to-face and online consultation sessions to facilitate community and stakeholder feedback. Two drop-in sessions and one targeted online session were held. The drop-in sessions allowed local community members, including stakeholders and representatives from various organisations, to interact directly with the Edify team. The online session focused on engaging community organisation representatives, ensuring compliance with DPIE guidelines and identifying key community voices that could influence the project.
The Outcome
The consultation process culminated in a comprehensive Consultation Report, which was prepared by Strategic and accepted by Edify in April 2022. The report detailed the engagement methods, summarised community themes and messages, and offered recommendations for ongoing engagement throughout the project's lifecycle. Attendees at the sessions included local community members, project neighbors, council representatives, and local organisations, all contributing to a constructive dialogue. This proactive approach not only fostered trust but also set a solid foundation for addressing potential concerns, ensuring the community's input is integral to the development of the solar project.
