Regional Energy Collaboration Framework: A New Approach to Building Trust in Regional Communities

The Energy Charter has launched the Regional Energy Collaboration Framework — a practical new tool designed to strengthen relationships between the energy sector and regional communities across Australia.

Developed in partnership with community, government and industry stakeholders, the framework aims to:

• Support more consistent, collaborative approaches to engagement in regional Australia.

• Build trust and transparency between energy providers and local communities.

• Help regions navigate the complex energy transition while ensuring community voices are heard.

At its core, the framework recognises that regional communities are at the frontline of Australia’s energy transformation — hosting much of the infrastructure required for renewable generation, transmission and storage. With this comes both opportunity and challenge: how to ensure that change delivers real benefits locally while balancing broader system needs.

By embedding principles of collaboration, respect and accountability, the framework provides guidance for energy businesses on how to:

• Engage early and meaningfully with local stakeholders.

• Share information clearly and openly.

• Work alongside communities to co-design solutions.

• Monitor, evaluate and improve engagement practices over time.

The Engagement Institute welcomes initiatives like the Regional Energy Collaboration Framework, which place authentic community and stakeholder engagement at the centre of major national transitions.

📌 You can explore the full framework and supporting materials via the Energy Charter: Read more here.