Australia’s first large-scale solar garden, Haystacks Solar Garden at Grong Grong, was awarded a top honour at the National Banksia Sustainability Awards in Melbourne last Thursday following its earlier success at the NSW Sustainability Awards.
The project won the Marketing and Communications for Impact Award, celebrating its innovative approach to engaging and involving communities about this first-of-its-kind renewable energy initiative.
“At its core, Haystacks Solar Garden is about inclusion – ensuring that people who can’t install solar panels on their own roof can still share in the benefits of clean energy,” said Kim Mallee, Director of Community Power Agency.
“This project has not only paved the way for more solar gardens across Australia but has also provided key lessons in communication and engagement to make the opportunities of renewable energy accessible to anyone.”
The Federal Government has provided support to enable more Solar Gardens via their “Solar Banks” funding program which has been taken up by the NSW Government.
Launched in April 2024, Haystacks Solar Garden is hosted by the 1.5MW Grong Grong Solar Farm in NSW’s Riverina region.
The initiative allows members to purchase a solar garden ‘plot’ and receive credits on their electricity bills, offering a way for renters, apartment dwellers and others locked out of rooftop solar to participate in and benefit from renewable energy.
The project was developed by Community Power Agency, Pingala and Komo Energy as an innovative response to energy inequity, while also tackling climate change and accelerating Australia’s renewable energy future.
Generating 3,700 MWh annually, it produces enough power for up to 700 households and reduces approximately 2,700 tonnes of CO? emissions each year.
The award recognises the extensive community engagement and communications efforts that brought Haystacks to life, particularly during the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. The team pivoted to online engagement strategies and developed a strong digital presence to connect with supporters across Australia.
A key element of the project was the establishment of the Haystacks Solar Garden Cooperative (‘Haystacks Co-op’), which administers member funds and fosters a sense of shared ownership.
Much like a traditional community garden, where members grow vegetables together, Haystacks members collectively invest in, manage and harvest solar energy.
The cooperative operates with a democratic cooperative governance model, ensuring member participation in decision-making and fostering a strong, engaged community.
“Communicating with members spanning six states and territories, amid a pandemic and two energy crises was no easy feat,” said Haystacks Chair, Kristy Walters.
“But the challenges only strengthened the Haystacks project whilst also building energy literacy with our members.”
This article appeared in Narrandera Argus, 10 April 2025.
