Full Name
Jacqui Willis
Job title
Associate Environmental Planner
Organisation
WSP Australia
Speaker bio
Jacqui Willis is an Associate Environmental Planner in WSP’s Melbourne Environmental Approvals team. Jacqui is an experienced facilitator of Planning and Environmental approvals, including Environmental Impact Assessment, Planning Permits, Development Plans and Planning Scheme Amendments. Jacqui provides pragmatic environmental planning and project management expertise for Renewable Energy (including Transmission, Solar, Onshore and Offshore Wind and Battery Storage) and Utility Infrastructure projects. Her previous experience in the public sector undertaking assessment of approval applications affords Jacqui a unique perspective when navigating the regulatory environment and an in depth understanding of stakeholder needs throughout the approvals lifecycle.
Speaking At
Presentation title
From Plans to Empowerment: Navigating Planning Reforms and Building Social Licence in Solar Energy and Storage Projects
Presentation summary
The varied and ever-evolving regulatory landscape of the Environmental Approvals process in Australia can present a challenge to developers of grid-scale solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), to achieving Final Investment Decision (FID). Regulatory hurdles, including permitting processes, compliance with environmental standards, community sentiment, and grid integration requirements, can delay projects and increase costs. This presents an exciting opportunity for the industry to develop an adaptable approach that can be tailored to each project and community, yet delivers consistent outcomes.
Using a comparison of Victoria and Queensland’s recent planning reforms to stimulate economic investment and encourage new projects, this presentation will consider how Communities are currently partaking in the respective approval processes, and how their support can be enhanced towards empowerment through active involvement in decision-making processes and benefit-sharing mechanisms.
As the demand for renewables grows, Communities located close to strong grid connection have become hosts to the energy transition and concerns regarding cumulative impacts of projects has emerged. Communities tell us they are worried about the visual and environmental effects of solar farms and BESS installations, including land use changes, habitat disruption, and the ability to provide consistent power during peak demand periods and adverse weather conditions.
Building Social Licence with effective communication strategies that highlight the benefits of renewable energy, address misconceptions, and involve community members in decision-making processes can significantly enhance public support.
Using a comparison of Victoria and Queensland’s recent planning reforms to stimulate economic investment and encourage new projects, this presentation will consider how Communities are currently partaking in the respective approval processes, and how their support can be enhanced towards empowerment through active involvement in decision-making processes and benefit-sharing mechanisms.
As the demand for renewables grows, Communities located close to strong grid connection have become hosts to the energy transition and concerns regarding cumulative impacts of projects has emerged. Communities tell us they are worried about the visual and environmental effects of solar farms and BESS installations, including land use changes, habitat disruption, and the ability to provide consistent power during peak demand periods and adverse weather conditions.
Building Social Licence with effective communication strategies that highlight the benefits of renewable energy, address misconceptions, and involve community members in decision-making processes can significantly enhance public support.
