With growing competition for land, agricultural areas are increasingly sought after for uses beyond farming, from renewable energy projects to resource development. This webinar will help farmers understand the opportunities and challenges these developments present at the farm level.
The expert panel explore the potential benefits, such as new income streams and upgraded infrastructure, as well as the possible downsides, including loss of productive land and changes to land access rights. They share practical insights and planning considerations to help farmers make informed decisions when approached with renewable energy or resource proposals.
Some of the insights discussed draw on findings from a Farmanco-led project on integrating renewable energy projects in agriculture, supported by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
This webinar was presented as part of the Grower Group Alliance’s Farm Elevate program, jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and WA’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Panel:
Greg Easton – Farm Management Consultant, Farmanco
Rebecca Kelly – Mingenew farmer and 2023 Nuffield Scholar
Michael Swift – Partner, HWL Ebsworth Lawyers
Facilitator: Hellene McTaggert, agdots