Rural Business Support has extended its Landowner Information Service offerings to now give guidance on hydrogen and renewable energy developments.
This initiative comes after the state government’s recognition that landowners need better support in understanding how the Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act 2023 legislation impacted their properties and operations.
Increasing the LIS inclusions aligns with the implementation of the HRE Act, which came into effect on July 11, 2024, regulating large-scale hydrogen and renewable energy projects across SA.
To help members of the community understand what this means for them, RBS has appointed fourth-generation Wilmington farmer David “Freddy” Freeman as the new LIS officer.
Now based in Whyalla, Mr Freeman brings more than 40 years of experience in SA’s Mid and Upper North farming districts.
His background includes roles as a planner and supervisor for waste management companies in Whyalla and as a research officer for ABARES.
He is also well-known across the Eyre Peninsula and Mid North through his involvement in organising country sporting carnivals, coaching football, and hosting shows on Radio 5CS in Port Pirie.
Through the expansion, the LIS will offer comprehensive information about hydrogen and renewable energy developments, including the implications of the HRE Act.
It will also offer personal guidance, tailoring information to help landowners understand interactions with operators, helping them to make informed decisions.
Landowners, farmers and community members will be able to access impartial information to assist in understanding their rights, responsibilities and options related to land access and development initiatives.
Rural Business Support chief executive officer Brett Smith said the expansion of the LIS to include hydrogen and renewable energy reflected their ongoing commitment to supporting rural communities as the state embraced new energy opportunities.
– Published in Stock Journal, Thursday 27th February, 2025
Landowner Information Officer
