The biggest and the best is how last month’s sold out National Renewables in Agriculture Conference in Toowoomba is being described.
In all, 350 farmers and industry stakeholders – a further 30 remained on a waiting list – discussed and debated renewable energy innovations and the chances and challenges that each present practically.
“I think the conference’s success really came from bringing diverse groups together to ask, ‘How do we find solutions together’?“ said conference founder Karin Stark.
“We had farmers, agricultural researchers, industry stakeholders and government representatives. It was a great mix of people all seeking to find solutions together.
“Everyone had a seat at the table.“
On a large scale, Ms Stark said farmers sought clarity on how better to extend the benefits of solar/ transmission projects beyond the host farmer to the local community.
“There’s a regional development opportunity here from the energy transition and ensuring the coexistence of farming and renewables,“ she said. “We need to ensure everyone benefits, not just the host landowner.“
On a small scale, it was finding the easiest path forward for farmers to actually switch to renewables.
Ms Stark said while “many issues“ remained with the energy transition, the Queensland Govermment was helping landowners more than is the case in other states.
“I actually think the Queensland Government is doing a pretty good job at working with peak farming groups to ease the transition to renewables,“ she said.
“Their landholder toolkit, which I think is very good, was well-received and mentioned positively at the conference.“
This was the first time in five years Ms Stark had held her conference outside NSW and she is keen to return.
“I will definitely come back to Toowoomba in a few years because the interest was so high and the State Government seems so invested.“
