A community forum in Moulamein last week heard of concerns farmers have of the use of productive agricultural land for renewable energy developments. The meeting was organised by a newly formed group Farming First Forum (FFF) and supported by close to 50 attendees from Hay, Moulamein, Booroorban and surrounds.

The Riverine Grazier spoke with Joanne Kohlhager, one of the FFF founders, who said the group is a collective of concerned farmers from across the Riverina. Guest speakers included Aidan Morrison of the Centre for Independent Studies (CIS) and Grant Piper, from the National Rational Energy Network (NREN).

Mr Morrison is the Director of Energy Research at CIS, and is leading research into energy systems from an Australian perspective, in particular the most economically viable means to transition to a low-carbon economy. Mr Piper is the chair of NREN, which is self-described as a grassroots national movement that aims to represent communities across Australia, who feel adversely impacted by the move towards renewable energy.

NREN says the Australian government is being reckless in the roll-out of “unreliable, costly, and environmentally damaging wind turbines, grid solar systems, pumped hydro projects, and high-voltage transmission lines”. The meeting ran for close to two hours, with both speakers presenting interesting and fact-based arguments on the situation.

This article appeared in The Riverine Grazier, 26 March 2025.