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Wimmera Southern Mallee Development is working with the local community to understand, based on evidence, if renewable energy projects will increase or decrease farming profitability and resilience – and if future developments will increase the broader livability and prosperity of communities in our region.
WSM Renewable Energy Collaboration
The WSM Renewable Energy Collaboration (REC) is an initiative facilitated by WSMD in partnership with The Energy Charter to achieve best practice engagement and to enhance place-based outcomes for WSM communities as part of the shift to renewable energy.
WSM REC collective purpose statement:
“The Collaboration is a cross-sector partnership that places the region’s people at its core, with a commitment to foster a collaborative and community-centric focus for developers driving the shift to a clean energy system, with an emphasis on accountability. By prioritising genuine engagement and participation, listening to local voices, and taking real action, we aim to build trust and maximises the delivery of tangible benefits that align with community values and priorities. Together, we will create a sustainable future that respects the heritage of the Wimmera Southern Mallee and empowers its people for generations to come.”
Community Collaboration
We also support regional businesses to work towards achieving net zero to maintain their market access and export competitiveness.
Community Roundtable with Australia’s Energy Infrastructure Commissioner Tony Mahar
In August 2025 Wimmera Southern Mallee Development hosted a business roundtable with Tony Mahar, Australia’s Energy Infrastructure Commissioner and business, councils and community.
It aimed to tackle the real-world impacts of the energy transition on housing, workforce and business growth and identify opportunities and sticking points, and help shape what happens next.
Read more about key themes which emerged from Tony Mahar’s visit here
Fact finding tour to Queensland
In November 2023 we took a group of community leaders to the Surat Basin to learn how communities to investigate first-hand how a region traditionally driven by agriculture managed the complexities of transitioning due to the increasing presence of energy and mining infrastructure planned for the area. This group continues to discuss how these learnings can be explored in our region.
Independent Research
WSM Development is engaging independent experts to study some of the important, common questions being raised by our community in relation to the impacts of energy projects.
Click here for latest research reports.
Click here for upcoming research events.
Grampians New Energy Taskforce
We also support regional businesses to work towards achieving net zero to maintain their market access and export competitiveness.
The Grampians New Energy Taskforce (GNET) is a group that represents, leads and advocates for the development of a net zero carbon economy in the Grampians region.
WSM Development is a member of GNET, which works with communities, the renewables industry and the government to maximise the long-term benefits and capture business opportunities that the energy transition will offer to the Grampians region and its people.
Whilst acknowledging that the transition presents some challenges, we are also looking at ways to minimise the risk to communities and businesses.
Federation University Campus
Level 1, Building C, 289 Baillie Street, Horsham VIC 3400
0429 811 744
info@wsm.org.au