Renewables on Your Land: Key Tips and Traps to Consider

19 March 2026

As renewable energy projects expand across rural and regional areas, many landholders are being approached by developers seeking access for wind, solar, and battery infrastructure.

While these opportunities can offer long-term income, they also come with complex risks and responsibilities. Before signing any agreements, it’s essential to understand not just the financial upside, but the practical, environmental, and social implications. Below are some important tips, and potential traps to keep in mind.

1. Biosecurity Management Matters at Every Stage

Biosecurity during both the option and lease phases is critical. While approvals often focus on environmental outcomes, landholders must also consider the impact on production. For example, some ground cover may be acceptable from an environmental standpoint but highly detrimental to agricultural productivity. It’s important to clarify where wash-down areas will be located and what biosecurity protocols will be enforced throughout the project lifecycle.

2. Plan for a Change in Ownership

Renewable projects are frequently sold or transferred to new operators. Even if you have a strong relationship with the original developer, your agreement should be written with future ownership changes in mind. All commitments and promises must be clearly documented, verbal assurances will not carry over to a new company.

3. Consider Impacts Beyond Your Boundary

The effects of a project may extend beyond the land it occupies. Consider whether your property will be used as access to neighbouring sites or host shared infrastructure such as worker camps, wash-down facilities, or transmission lines. While compensation is often offered on a standard per-megawatt basis, the level of disruption can vary significantly between landholders. Ensure the compensation reflects your specific impact.

4. Understand the Reality of Construction

Before agreeing to terms, take the time to understand what construction actually involves. Large-scale renewable developments can bring heavy machinery, cranes, significant noise, and a large workforce. Visualising the process, such as through publicly available videos, can help set realistic expectations about disruption and scale.

5. Decommissioning and Rehabilitation Risks

At the end of the project, you may effectively be left as a landlord if the operator exits. If the site is not properly rehabilitated, the financial burden could fall back on you, especially in cases of insolvency. It is essential to negotiate strong decommissioning obligations, including bank guarantees or other financial security mechanisms.

6. Separate Payments for Additional Resources

Project components such as offsets, water usage, gravel extraction, and similar resources should not be bundled into standard lease payments. These elements represent additional value and impact, and landholders should negotiate separate compensation for their use.

7. Set Clear Timeframes and Milestones

Projects can take years to progress, and some developers may “land bank” without moving forward. Landholders should negotiate firm end dates for option agreements and require clear milestones for any extensions. This ensures the project is actively progressing and not unnecessarily tying up your land.

8. Define Exclusion Zones

Carefully identifying and excluding certain areas, such as key paddocks or operational zones from agreements can help minimise disruption. This allows landholders to retain control over the most critical parts of their property.

9. Be Prepared for Social Impacts

Renewable projects can divide communities. Differences in participation and compensation may lead to tension between neighbours, including those who benefit, those who do not, and those opposed to the development. Landholders should be prepared for these dynamics and consider their long term role in the community. Some choose to negotiate community benefit funds or stricter rehabilitation requirements to help mitigate broader impacts.

10. Emerging Concerns Around Battery Storage

Battery projects are becoming more common, but they bring additional considerations. Concerns have been raised around fire risk, chemical exposure (including PFAS), groundwater testing, and soil contamination. As these technologies evolve, it is important to stay informed and ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.

Careful planning, clear documentation, and a full understanding of both the opportunities and risks are essential when considering renewable energy agreements. Taking the time to ask questions and seek advice early can make a significant difference to long-term outcomes. Please do not hesitate to contact our experienced local team to discuss how we can assist you.