‘No one understands local issues better’: rural councils call for greater role in renewable energy transition

NSW, Victoria and Queensland local governments have limited roles in approving developments, but advocates say they're best placed to keep communities onside

• Sign up for the Rural Network email newsletter
• Join the Rural Network group on Facebook to be part of the community

Rural councils should be deeply engaged" with the planning of renewable energy projects in their backyards to keep communities onside and streamline the energy transition, local government advocates have said.

But not all renewable projects require local government approval, meaning developers are left to deal directly with the community - to mixed results.

Sign up to receive Guardian Australia's fortnightly Rural Network email newsletter