REZ Community Benefit Fund Framework & Voluntary Planning Agreement

Overview

Glen Innes Severn Council has resolved to place the draft REZ Community Benefit Fund Framework and draft Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) template on public exhibition.

These draft documents relate to renewable energy projects associated with the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) and set out a proposed framework for how potential community benefit contributions could be managed and distributed within the local area.

The REZ Community Benefit Fund Framework outlines:

• The purpose of a community benefit fund
• Proposed governance and administration arrangements
• Principles to guide how funding may be allocated to community projects and initiatives

The draft Voluntary Planning Agreement provides a template for how voluntary contributions from renewable energy developers could be formalised through the planning process.

No final decisions have been made. Public exhibition provides an opportunity for the community and stakeholders to review the draft documents and provide feedback before Council considers whether to adopt, amend or take any further action.

Community members are encouraged to read the draft documents and make a submission during the exhibition period.

How to Have Your Say

You can provide feedback in any of the following ways:

Online
Submit a public comment form via the Have Your Say portal.

Email
Send your written submission to:council@gisc.nsw.gov.au

In Person
Hard copies of the draft document and public comment forms are available at the following locations:

• Council’s Town Hall Customer Service Office 265 Grey Street, Glen Innes
• Glen Innes Severn Public & TAFE Library 71 Grey Street, Glen Innes
• The village post offices at: Emmaville and Deepwater

Submissions are open until: 5pm 19 March 2026