The Member for Indi, Helen Haines, has welcomed the appointment by the Australian government of Tony Mahar to his new role as the new Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner.

Mr Mahar has extensive experience in rural and regional Australia, most recently as CEO of the National Farmers Federation (NFF) in this important role.

His role will be to work as an intermediary between farming and regional communities, industry and government to promote leading community engagement practices as Australia transforms its energy system to cheap, clean renewables and modernises its grid to meet growing demand for electricity from households and businesses.

“I have worked productively with Mr Mahar during his time as the CEO of the NFF on issues like sustainable agriculture facilitators, renewable energy and biosecurity levies,” Dr Haines said.

“Last year I worked closely with former AEIC Professor Andrew Dyer, as he undertook an independent Community Engagement review regarding renewable energy infrastructure developments.

“Alongside Senator David Pocock, I contributed to the terms of reference for this review and ensured that Professor Dyer held roundtables in Wangaratta, where he heard firsthand from locals about their experiences with large scale renewable developers.

“The review made a range of practical, important recommendations and I look forward to once more working closely with Mr Mahar in his new role to ensure they are implemented and that ultimately renewable energy benefits the regional communities that host this infrastructure,” Dr Haines said. 

This article appeared in the  Corryong Courier, 26 September 2024.
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