Glen Innes Severn Council has endorsed a draft Renewable Energy Zone Community Benefit Fund Framework and supporting Voluntary Planning Agreement template for public exhibition, establishing a consistent approach to how potential community benefit contributions would be managed if State Significant Development renewable energy projects proceed within, or directly impact the local government area.
State Significant Development (or SSD), is a planning category in New South Wales for large scale projects, typically valued at more than $30 million or involving major infrastructure or energy generation.
These developments are assessed and determined by the NSW Government rather than local councils.
The documents currently on exhibition, respond to SSD renewable energy benefit sharing guidelines and are intended to ensure Council is prepared to manage any community benefit arrangements in a transparent and orderly way, should projects be approved by the relevant authorities.
Council’s decision does not approve any renewable energy projects and does not alter existing planning controls.
The assessment and approval of State Significant Development renewable energy projects remains the responsibility of relevant NSW Government agencies.
Council and members of the community are able to review SSD application and make submissions during prescribed public exhibition periods.
Mayor Margot Davis said the decision is about clarity and preparedness, not project approval.
“This is about being clear and consistent about how community benefit contributions would be handled if renewable energy projects classified as State Significant are approved in our LGA,” Cr Davis said.
“Council does not approve State significant renewable energy projects, but we do have a responsibility to make sure that if development does occur, there is a clear framework in place that puts local communities first.”
The framework outlines proposed principles for the receipt, management and allocation of any SSD community benefit contributions, while the Voluntary Planning Agreement template provides a standardised mechanism to inform SSD energy proponents of their contribution requirements, the payment of which forms part of development approvals issued by State agencies.
No land is being rezoned or compulsorily acquired by Council as part of this decision and the framework would only apply if renewable energy projects are approved through State planning pathways.
The draft documents are now on public exhibition, with submissions able to made until 19 March 2026 via Council’s Have Your Say portal at: https://haveyoursay.gisc.nsw.gov.au/rez-community-benefit-fund-framework-voluntary-planning-agreement.
Media Release: Glen Innes Severn Council
