The Victorian Government has released the Community Engagement and Social Value Guidelines, setting clear expectations for how renewable energy developers engage with communities and deliver local benefits.
The guidelines contain 43 expectations that all developers will need to meet if they want to connect to the grid in Victoria.
Developers are expected to:
- engage early and meaningfully with host landholders, neighbouring and nearby landholders, communities and Traditional Owners
- consider feedback from these groups when designing their projects
- support local economic investment and deliver community benefits, while recognising impacts on communities
- establish clear processes for complaints and dispute resolution.
The guidelines have been developed through consultation with community, regional stakeholders and industry. They seek to address concerns raised by community on issues including public liability insurance, decommissioning and non-disclosure agreements.
From July 2027 – when the Victorian Access Regime is expected to come into effect – project developers seeking to connect to the state’s transmission network will need to meet these expectations.
Before the access regime comes into effect, we will be asking projects seeking to connect to the network to ensure their engagement is consistent with the guidelines.
Learn more about the Community and Engagement Social Value Guidelines and download a copy below.
Page last updated: 07/07/26