Regional councils hate renewables, love the mines that feed them

A grass fire that broke out during last weekend’s heatwave at one of Australia’s largest solar farms, the 400MW Wellington North Solar Farm between Wellington and Dubbo in the NSW Mid-West, has highlighted the depth of opposition to renewable energy in some parts of Australia.

But it has also highlighted the double standards of some renewable-sceptic councils, councilors and National MPs in the region, which is home to major renewables. Midwest Orana Renewable Energy District (REZ). Although they often fight against wind and solar farms, they strongly support the mining of critical minerals needed for renewable energy sources.