Regional Energy Accord: Riverina & Murray Shaping Australia’s Energy Transition
L-R: Ray Willis, RDA Riverina Board Member, Malkah Lara Muckenschnabl, Associate Partner YoBou, Rachel Whiting, CEO and Director of Regional Development, Sabiene Heindl, CEO The Energy Charter, Sarimah Hellyer, CEO RDA Murray, Bryce Ives, Principal Consultant YoBou, Mark Hillis, RDA Riverina Board Member
On Thursday, 27 November 2025, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina and Murray, in partnership with The Energy Charter, hosted two pivotal events at the Local Land Service Mawambul Training Centre, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga: the Regional Energy Accord Business Workshop and the Regional Energy Accord Roundtable. These events followed strategic engagement with local landholders the day before.
Why a Regional Energy Accord?
The Riverina and Murray regions are at the forefront of Australia’s energy transition, hosting major renewable infrastructure and experiencing both the opportunities and challenges that come with change. Local communities are navigating new impacts on land, business, and daily life as the energy landscape evolves. The Regional Energy Accord is a national initiative designed to ensure this transition occurs in partnership with communities, not to them. It’s a voluntary agreement, co-designed by regional voices, industry, and government, setting out shared principles and practical steps for collaboration that reflects the priorities and aspirations of our region.
Elevating Regional Voices
The landholder engagement meetings heard from local people impacted by renewable energy developments. Sharing of stories and listening to concerns is part of true regional engagement. The morning Business Workshop brought together business leaders from across the Riverina and Murray, providing a platform to share insights and contribute to the Accord’s development. Discussions focused on trust, fairness, and the need for visible local benefits—emphasising that commitments must be delivered, not just promised. Participants agreed that regional expertise and leadership are essential for ensuring the energy transition delivers genuine, lasting value. Engagement also occurred with a group of young community leaders. The importance of hearing voices from all demographics in our community was highlighted.
Shaping a Fair and Inclusive Transition
The afternoon Roundtable built on these conversations, gathering community leaders, industry representatives, government officials, and stakeholders from diverse sectors. The agenda included mapping the region’s energy story, identifying guiding principles, and developing practical commitments that reflect local values and priorities. The collaborative format encouraged open dialogue, creative thinking, and a shared commitment to shaping a fair and inclusive energy future.
A National Effort, Grounded in Local Experience
Supported by The Energy Charter and facilitated by YoBou Pty Ltd, the Accord aims to unite stakeholders around shared principles and practical steps for collaboration. The process is grounded in authentic local listening, with the goal of building trust, supporting local leadership, and turning good intentions into visible actions on the ground. The Riverina and Murray Roundtable is the fourth in a series, adding local priorities and insights to the national Accord.
Lasting Impact
By hosting these events, RDA Riverina and RDA Murray have ensured that the perspectives of local business and community leaders are central to the development of the Regional Energy Accord. The outcomes will inform a national framework designed to deliver real, measurable benefits for regional Australia—ensuring that communities are not left behind, but are active partners in shaping the future.
