When a renewable energy developer approached Tracy Lefroy’s farm, she was very conscious of the tensions these projects could create between neighbors. Rather than negotiating individually, Tracy helped bring neighboring landowners in Western Australia’s wheatbelt together to create a joint approach. 

The group shared information and negotiated commercially together, creating greater transparency, trust, and a stronger voice in the process. Tracy has since drawn on that experience to help other landowners navigate similar projects as an independent consultant.

Tracy’s central message is that the conversation doesn’t need to begin with whether people are for or against renewable energy. Instead, it can start with a more practical question: If development is coming, how can farmers and communities shape it together to deliver the best possible long-term outcomes?

Sarah and Tracy discuss:

• What farmers need to consider when negotiating renewable energy agreements
• The long-term risks of hosting energy infrastructure, including erosion, water runoff, farm management, and decommissioning.
• How renewable energy income can support farm business resilience and why tax and land-rating implications matter.
• Why local procurement, skills development, and infrastructure planning are important for regional communities.
• How renewable energy could support new industries, including data centers and Australian fertilizer production.
• How to move from an extractive approach to development towards one that creates lasting regional benefits.

Useful Links:

• Cranmore Merinos
• Beyond Co-existence: Can Regions Shape Their Energy Future?
• Ag cooperatives : something old that can be new again? 
• The business case for electrifying agriculture, with Mike Casey?
• Regional Energy Collaboration Framework - the Energy Charter
• FPJ2302 – Sounness, C & Heindl, S (2026), Beyond coexistence: agri-energy collaboration - Australian Farm Institute
• Beyond decarbonization: the adaptation & resilience opportunity for agri-food

For more information and resources, visit our website. 

The information in this post is not investment advice or a recommendation to invest. It is general information only and does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making an investment decision you should seek financial advice from a professional financial adviser. Whilst we believe the information is correct, we provide no warranty of accuracy, reliability or completeness.

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