Ethodology Ctivities Eport: N E T C W F S

METHODOLOGY & ACTIVITIES REPORT
NEW ENGLAND TABLELANDS COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

MAY 2011
INTRODUCTION
The overwhelming message from the New England community to date is positive and supportive towards the development of a community wind farm as the first major step towards energy self-sufficiency for the region. This Report outlines the Phase1 work undertaken to date in assessing the feasibility for a community co-operative based wind farm in the New England Tablelands, New England Wind, with the capacity to generate between 4MW and 10 MW. More than 1,300 people have been directly engaged to date through an Online Survey, Community Forums, Stakeholder Meetings, Public Presentations and Displays. A much greater number (12,000+) have been reached taking into account the reach from internet traffic (websites, email) and significant media coverage achieved (television, radio and print). All major milestones, deliverables and outcomes are on track, with several new areas of activity opportunistically added to the original work plan. Both outcomes and activities being in excess of requirements for the Study as defined in the funding agreement and original project plans. The Consortium, Partners and Key Stakeholders have each played a critical part in contributing to these outcomes with in-kind support, technical expertise, attending forums and events, and substantial promotion and communication. With only one variation of note the Study is on course to satisfy and exceed the required deliverables. Next Steps of work for completion of the Study are detailed in the separate Report: Preliminary Findings & Recommendations, as well as the 'pending' category of the Deliverables & Milestones Summary depicted below.
COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY
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METHODOLOGY & ACTIVITIES REPORT TABLE

OF
CONTENTS
Introduction.........................................................................2 Promotion & Communication..............................24 Reporting Structure........................................................4 Promotions & Communications Plan...............29 Key Messages................................................................................ 29 Methodology & Activities Summary....................5
Phases of Work................................................................................7
Deliverables & Milestones..........................................8 Governance & Coordination..................................9

Consortium Partner Roles & Responsibilities...............11 Stakeholder Mapping..............................................................12
Increased Activities.....................................................13 Potential Participants & Partnerships...............16

Community & Investor Forums............................................16 Online Survey.................................................................................17 Public Presentations...................................................................18 One on One Meetings............................................................18 Public Displays............................................................................... 19
Scope of Communications...................................................29 Strategic Positioning & Uniqueness..................................31 Channels........................................................................................... 31 Materials & Mediums.................................................................32 Synergy with New England Sustainability Community Engagement & Communications Strategy............................................................................................. 32 Spokespersons............................................................................... 33 Challenges & Risks......................................................................33 Project Variation..........................................................................34 Context Changes.......................................................................35 Forum Facilitation Process.....................................................36
Appendices......................................................................34
Structures, Funding & Governance Models 20
Illustration 1: Armidale Community Wind Farm Forum
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REPORTING STRUCTURE
This Report is to be read in conjunction with the below series of reports dedicated to each discrete part of the Study: Preliminary Findings & Recommendations Governance Model Options Analysis Community Survey Analysis Participatory Planning Forums Analysis Community Renewable Energy Research Report ~ Community Power Agency Legal Structure Advices NSW Co-Operatives ~ NSW Environmental Defender's Office Hybrid Structures ~ Wilson & Co Lawyers
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MID-TERM REPORT
METHODOLOGY & ACTIVITIES SUMMARY
Illustration 2: Methodology Summary
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MID-TERM REPORT
Illustration 3: Phases of Work
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PHASES
OF
WORK
Three main phases of work were undertaken as depicted above: 1. Consolidate the community partnership network. The community partners, including the Consortium, have been a central source of capability, knowledge and networks for the Study. This phase involved identifying and addressing any gaps as well as maintaining and extending upon existing regional networks; 2. Engage and dialogue with key stakeholder groups, research knowledge bases. Key stakeholders include landholders, investors, community members and the dialogues will assess the potential for their participation and support, guidelines and design principles for a community wind farm and its governance, plus clarification of relevant risks. The research considered cooperative and other structures, legal and financial issues, relevant government mechanisms and governance; and, 3. Compile and Communicate the Feasibility Study. Included co-facilitation with SLA of a meeting with the newly formed Reference Group to identify relevant protocols, guidelines and design principles for New England Tablelands community cooperative wind farms. The final report will contain recommendations and protocols which can assist the development, membership and marketing of similar community co-operatives in other NSW renewable energy precincts. Throughout the entire Study and work plan efforts were maintained to identify emerging regional opportunities (see dedicated section on Increased Activities detailed below) to value-add to the project (such as in areas of training, employment, supply-chain business) as well as considering (though not assessing) relevant long-term considerations (such as technology, power purchasing agreements and siting requirements).
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MID-TERM REPORT
DELIVERABLES & MILESTONES
Illustration 4: Deliverables & Milestones Summary
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GOVERNANCE & COORDINATION

Starfish Enterprises formed a Consortium of Partners for both funding the Study as well as contributing the wide range of expertise required to undertake Phase 1 of work for New England Wind.
The Consortium have fulfilled the major governance role for the Study, with their major agenda and business as follows: November 2010 Finalise Tender, WorkPlan, Roles & Responsibilities December 2010 Research & Legal Advice Matrix, Promotion & Communications Plan February 2011 Survey, Preliminary Case Studies Research March 2011 Hybrid Legal Structures Advice May 2011 Preliminary Findings Copies of Consortium Briefing Papers and Records of Meeting are available on http://www.scribd.com/NewEnglandWind.
Illustration 5: November '10 Consortium Meeting
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The Study was funded using NSW Department of Fair Trading's Cooperative Research fund at its core. This is a matching funding structure and the other funding partners were: NSW Department of Environment Climate Change & Water; The Community Mutual Group; Sustainable Living Armidale; Farming the Sun and Starfish Enterprises.
Illustration 6: February '11 Consortium Meeting
To better reach the breadth of expertise and stakeholder interests the following Community Research Partners were involved in addition to the above Funding Partners: Embark; The University of New England; Armidale & District Chamber of Commerce; Environmental Defenders Office; Community Power Agency and, Wilson & Co. Lawyers.
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CONSORTIUM PARTNER ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Capabilities, Knowledge & Networks Governance, Partner Network Coordination, Stakeholder Dialogue, Documentation & Reporting Landholders Consortium Partner Starfish Enterprises
Southern New England Landcare (SNELCC) High Country Urban Biodiversity Project (HiCUB) The Community Mutual Group (TCMG) The University of New England (UNE) Armidale & District Chamber of Commerce (ADCC) The Community Mutual Group (TCMG) The University of New England (UNE)
Investors
Energy Buyers
Relevant Government regulation, Embark legislation, programs & issues Community Power Agency (CPA) Community Engagement Legal Matters Sustainable Living Armidale (SLA) Embark Wilson & Co Lawyers NSW Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) Community Power Agency (CPA) Embark Community Power Agency (CPA) All Partners
Community Renewable Energy Research Risks & Opportunities
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STAKEHOLDER MAPPING
Illustration 7: Stakeholder Mapping
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INCREASED ACTIVITIES
The New England Wind Consortium expanded on the original Phase 1 study and project plan in several ways which have each enhanced the quality of outcomes achieved: Online Survey An online survey was developed by a working group which included significant professional expertise and in-kind support from The University of New England to utilise their Qualtrix software. It has become the central ask in all public communications and was designed to specifically build upon the DECCW Community Attitudes research and will provide a broad perspective on the community wind farm. Nearly 600 responses were received.
Illustration 8: Welcome Page ~ Qualtics Online Survey Courtesty UNE
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Postcard Promotion of the online survey, and New England Wind, has been enhanced with the print postcard. Around 400 were circulated. For example, 150 delegates at the recent Landcare Adventure were given a postcard each and they have been distributed at forums and public information stalls.
Illustration 9: Online Survey Postcard
Exhibits Promotional displays have been held at the Armidale Markets, PCYC Markets, Armidale & District Chamber of Commerce Member Meet, Walcha Show, Landcare Adventure and GasLands documentary screening at the Belgrave Cinema, Armidale. HepburnWind Investor Database Through Embark we have received a deidentified extract of the Hepburn Wind investor database for analysis to enhance our understanding of the profile, demographics and characteristics of community renewable energy investors. (To comply with privacy requirements, the names and addresses of all investors were removed.) DECCW Community Attitudes Research DECCW have agreed, under confidentiality agreement, to provide the data for the respondents from the New England Tablelands for further analysis and integration into the Study. Prospective Sites More than one hundred landholders have expressed interest in being considered as a site for hosting turbines, including two commercial sites for on-site generation that could have significant financial advantages.
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MID-TERM REPORT
Commercial Developer Partnerships Two possible partnerships are being investigated with commercial developers with a view to incorporating a distinct community component or stage to their wind farm. Branding The New England Wind brand utilised on this document is a working logo. Further developments are being considered and will be tested with some simple market research before a final brand design is selected.
Illustration 10: Brand Options & Preferences as at April 2011
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POTENTIAL PARTICIPANTS & PARTNERSHIPS

COMMUNITY & INVESTOR FORUMS
A series of five Community Forums were held ~ Armidale, Uralla, Kyabra, Walcha and Glen Innes ~ with nearly 200 attendees in total and Armidale being the largest (hosted by Armidale Dumaresq Council in the Town Hall). A dedicated Investor Forum was hosted by Community Mutual Group, two round tables have been held with UNE and a preliminary presentation has made to the Northern Region of Aboriginal Land Councils. Each Forum followed a similar design (refer Appendices) to elucidate the major benefits, advantages and opportunities for a community wind farm; the key risks and challenges; what principles were most key to the design, structure and governance; and lastly what the priority next steps were to investigate this further. Photographic, video and written records have been kept for each Forum, providing multiple streams for analysis and evidence for the above Study requirements, as well as documenting the process undertaken and ultimately the creation of a documentary of the Study. These digital media resources have proven very valuable with regards to ensuring media releases have reflected actual discussions and outcomes throughout the Study too. Refer to the separate Forum Findings Report for full details of the outcomes from this stream of the Study.
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ONLINE SURVEY
Illustration 11: Survey Working Group
The Online Survey was created in addition to the original planned of activities to identify potential support. A Working Group was formed included professional expertise ~ Professor Don Hine (School, Behavioural, Cognitive and Social Sciences, University of New England); Methuen Morgan (PhD, University of New England); Mahalath Halperin (Australia New Zealand Solar Energy Society and Climate Action Network Australia); Glenda Kupczyk-Romanczuk (Linguist) ~ together with members from the Consortium: Patsy Asch, Ray South and Bar Finch (Sustainable Living Armidale); Elizabeth Gardiner and Adam Blakester (Starfish Enterprises). Nearly 600 responses were received and the findings provide an extensive data set identifying both support and interest to participate as well as a wide range of community views on electricity, energy generation and wind power particularly. The Survey was specifically designed to extend upon the findings of the NSW Government Community Attitudes Research.
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Refer to the separate Survey Findings Report for full details of the outcomes from the Survey, however in summary the major findings include: 576 respondents Emphatic support for the proposition of a community wind farm 350+ interested in purchasing electricity generated $3m and 340+ indicative interest in investment 235 interested to visit a working wind farm 90 interested to find out more about hosting turbines on their property Very strong support for community 'owned' energy to supplement corporate and government owned supply and infrastructure Very strong support for local generation using clean energy, particularly wind power or solar, and to shift away from coal-fired electricity Clarification of desired definition for 'community' in terms of community ownership, governance and benefits from the wind farm Clarification of key issues with regards to turbine siting (distance from dwellings, visibility, type of landscape, etc.)
PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
A Presentation Template was developed to provide a detailed framework that could be used for a wide range of presentations. It was particularly used for the following public presentations, however it has also been used for board meetings and smaller group presentations by Consortium Members. Presentations were made at the following events: Landholder Working with Wind Forum, Armidale Town Hall Armidale Dumaresq Domestic Energy Committee Taste of the Plains, Caroona Sustainable Living Armidale Energy Group Talk About the Weather Conference, Inverell Walcha Rotary Meeting Northern NSW Lands Councils
ONE
ON
ONE MEETINGS
More than 40 one-on-one meetings have been held with key stakeholders and prospective landholders, investors and partners spanning government, industry and the community at large.
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PUBLIC DISPLAYS
Public Displays were held at the following events: Armidale Markets PCYC Markets, Armidale Gaslands Screening, Armidale Walcha Show
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STRUCTURES, FUNDING & GOVERNANCE MODELS

Wilson & Co Lawyers, NSW Environmental Defender's Office, Embark and the Community Power Agency each undertook research into possible governance structures, legal and finance models for the community wind farm. Around ten different possible models were presented by the Community Power Agency from their research of a wide range of community renewable energy projects from Australia and around the world. The four main groupings are presented below:
Illustration 12: Community Power Agency ~ N Ison & J Hicks, 2011
The recommended 'hybrid' governance structure is detailed in the Preliminary Report: Findings & Recommendations, while the detailed advices from each stream of research are presented in separate reports as listed earlier. A Matrix of Research Requirements was developed to guide each streams of work and ensure their findings were complementary. The Matrix is detailed on the following pages.
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MID-TERM REPORT
Research Topics & Researcher Co-Operatives
Legal Options Fit for Purpose Case Studies
Starfish, Contractors, DECCW

Jarra Hicks & Nicky Ison New Case Studies (Embark format for publishing) ~ Minwind (Farmer Owned) DECCW Community Cooperative Handbook
Legal Firms
EDO (NSW) Wilson & Co Lawyers
Embark
Incl. Hepburn Wind
Research Partners
CMG, UNE, ADCC, SLA, HiCUB & SNELCC
EDO Trading/Non-Trading For Profit/Non-Profit Active Membership Taxation Disclosure Statement Reporting & Filings Specialist Engagement (Jenny Mattila?) Wilson & Co Unlisted Public, Community within Commercial Taxation Prospectus & Product Disclosure Statement Reporting & Filings
Legal Structures Summary Hepburn International Case Studies
Hybrid Structures
Legal Options Fit for Purpose Case Studies
Jarra Hicks & Nicky Ison New Case Studies (Embark format for publishing)~ Mount Barker Windfarm, WA Bendigo Bank, Community Energy Australia
Middelgrunden
Strategic Context

Jarra Hicks & Nicky Ison Case Studies (Embark Government policy, format for publishing) ~ regulation, legislation Ontario FiT, Denmark 20% Stakeholder Strategies & community ownership Plans legislation & Universities
Summary
RDANI Regional Infrastructure Funds Above/Below Pt3A
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MID-TERM REPORT
Research Topics & Researcher Interest & Support
Community Landholders (access, lease) Electricity Purchasing Specialist Services^

Community Survey Research Dialogues Jarra Hicks & Nicky Ison Meaning of 'community'
Legal Firms
Embark
Incl. Hepburn Wind
Research Partners
HiCUB & SNELCC Landholder Dialogues SLA Community Forum RDANI, CMG, ADCC Electricity Purchasing International Investment Models Bendigo Bank, Community Energy Australia Future Energy Success Fee Embark Funding Financial Modelling Self Managed Superannuation Investment Creative Commons Pukwis Community Wind Park RDANI Prime Super CMG & ADCC Investment Dialogues
Raising Investment & Development $

Membership Shares Grants Donations Loans Other
Jarra Hicks & Nicky Ison Wilson & Co Hepburn investor analysis Stake Holding Model (inDECCW kind & pro-bono; discounted; beneficiaries Community Wind Co-Op & affected eg. Research neighbours)
Other
Existing Research^^ Intellectual Property Design Principles & Guidelines Environmental Integrity Promotion & Communication Skills & Economic Opportunities Benefits for wider community
Starfish Replicability of Hepburn Grid & PPA ~ Country Energy Skills & Economic Opportunities ~ Jobs Australia, E&Y
UNE Stakeholder Dialogue
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MID-TERM REPORT
Research Topics & Researcher Next Steps
Community Enhancement Fund Power Purchase Agreements Access & Lease Agreements Technology

Nicky Ison Technology (tbc)
Legal Firms
Embark
Incl. Hepburn Wind
Research Partners
Co-Op Formation Process Timeline Open Source Landholder Agreement
Risks, Challenges & Strategies* Embark Review to Confirm Gaps &/or Unique for New England ^ Specialist Services: development; aeronautical; cultural; noise; wind profiling; turbine technology; construction; service & maintenance; legal; finance & investment; communications; grid operation; energy retail ^^ Existing Resources ~ refer to Bibliography * Risks & Challenges ~ all to consider for relevance to specific Research Topics being considered Limitations & uncertainties generally; planning & development risk; commissioning & operational; project financing risk; grid connection risk; technology & infrastructure risk; environment (flora & fauna, noise, flicker, aesthetic, construction, decommissioning); cultural (sites of significance, native title); governance risk; contract risk; investment risk; supplier risk; policy, regulation & political risk; energy & electricity price risk; inflation; interest; wind resource risk; community/social license.
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PROMOTION & COMMUNICATION

With the advent of Web 2.0, and the explosion of interactive fit-for-purpose websites to handle documents, blogs, video, photos and more, the cutting edge now is to establish a web 'presence' rather than web 'site. New England Wind has established a web presence utilising the following fit-forpurpose sites, each of which is cross linked with the other: http://www.facebook.com/NewEnglandWind is the key point for public contact and showcases useful links, photographs, videos and discussions. It has received more than 8,500 hits since it was established, even though its direct membership remains quite small with only 36 people there have been some active discussions demonstrating its usefulness for information exchange and communication; http://www.scribd.com/NewEnglandWind is the document library, has tracked nearly 3,000 viewings of the 47 documents loaded there to date;
Illustration 13: scribd Screen Shot
http://newenglandwind.shutterfly.com/ is the primary photograph and video library; http://www.linkedin.com/groups/New-England-Wind is for professional network building, discussions and links; and,
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Illustration 14: Northern Daily Leader Media Article
http://starfishenterprises.net is the portal to all the New England Wind content currently, complemented by a dedicated page on the Embark wiki.
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Some 400+ people have joined the eList for regular updates. In addition to these direct contacts a larger number of people have been reached through wider range of partner website links, newsletter articles (HiCUB, SNELC, SLA), emails (Renew Reference Group List, HiCUB, SLA, Clean Energy Council) and exhibits (Armidale Markets, PCYC Markets, ADCC Member Meet, Walcha Show, Landcare Adventure and GasLands screening). Significant media coverage has also been achieved (television, radio and print). Various copies of print Illustration 15: Clean Energy Council News covers Online Survey media coverage can be found on scribd, and several of the television stories are stored on FaceBook.
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Illustration 16: Glen Innes Examiner Media Story
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Illustration 17: Sydney Morning Herald Media Coverage
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PROMOTIONS & COMMUNICATIONS PLAN

Detailed below are key extracts from the Promotions & Communications Plan. A full copy of the Plan is available on scribd.
KEY MESSAGES
Challenge ~ 94% of NSW electricity is from fossil fuel and a traditional centralised distribution system which are unsustainable and highly risky due to costs and complexities rising financial costs, growing public health costs, serious environmental impacts and inequitable vested interests in fossil fuel industry Evidence ~ electricity prices are rising dramatically, public health issues from mining are worsening, mining is threatening agricultural land and water systems, with semi-public superannuation and public taxes supporting fossil fuels and keeping the system stuck, exacerbating climate change and peak minerals and a highly centralised and hierarchical fossil fuel industry gaining the lions share of economic benefit Solution ~ clean, community-owned, renewable energy can provide affordable locally generated electricity, strengthen development of the net-grid as well as enhance community capital and regional livelihoods and economy A comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) will be developed on an ongoing basis throughout the Study, incorporating new opportunities, knowledge and issues as they emerge. This will be a key tool for both Spokespersons and Partners.
SCOPE
OF
COMMUNICATIONS
There are broadly two levels to the documentation and communication outputs from the Feasibility Study. Study Report & Recommendations (Preliminary & Final) Most importantly there will be a written final report addressing all agreed outcomes and detailing the work undertaken and other key highlights. This report will include dialogue maps and photographs to convey a fuller picture of the richness of views and findings from the Study.
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The final report will contain recommendations and protocols which can assist the development, membership and marketing of similar community co-operatives in other NSW renewable energy precincts, including findings and recommendations from the perspective of communications and promotion. Starfish believes that while this document is a key resource is will largely be used by an elite and highly engaged audience. Digital Stories In recognition that the Feasibility Study also seeks to assist the development, membership and promotion of similar community co-operatives in other NSW renewable energy precincts and more widely, Starfish will also deliver a range of innovative digital stories to package and present information for the wider range of audiences and stakeholders involved. It is envisaged that the digital stories will include photographs, video, interviews and dialogue mappings. This content will be published into: A3 summaries for Key/Public Meetings (Research Dialogues) with key points of discussion, outcomes and photographs; Record of Meetings (Consortium, Research Partners, Stakeholders, etc.); Web-based 'place stories' including video, photo essays and written materials; A final digital story which presents the entire Feasibility Study (ie aspects of all major meetings, forums and processes). The 'final digital story' could also include different interviews collected toward the end of the Study, capturing reflections on the process, progress and next steps. Short interviews could be done at the end of each Key/Public Meeting to get one or two people on their own to speak a bit more, particularly those who are particularly vocal. Different modes of communication could also be considered, such as an Annie Leonard cartoon-style explaining the purpose, process and benefits of the Study. There are multiple purposes and audiences for each of these pieces of content produced: Technical to satisfy funding agreements and for Consortium; Engaging for New England stakeholders and community; and, Instructional for other communities and users. For example, landholders in another Precinct Committee area may be especially interested to watch the digital story of the landholder dialogue. With this entree they may be engaged to wish to read the written reports and perhaps the Final Report.
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STRATEGIC POSITIONING & UNIQUENESS
The New England is one of six designated NSW Government Renewable Energy Precincts due to its high level of natural wind resources ~ also identified in the Northern Inland Regional Development Plan. This need for 'A New Energy Future' is recognised through the New England Sustainability Strategy: a multi-stakeholder governance and planning process for the Region directly involving more than 1,000 stakeholders. Renewable energy is about more than technology and electricity. It is also about stronger regional communities and economies. Communities all around the world are organising themselves to establish smart and distributed energy systems ~ meaning local energy such as wind farms, micro-generation on homes like solar, sustainable hot water, thermal heating and cooling, plus energy efficiency. Hepburn Wind is building Australia's first community-owned wind farm. Their two turbines are expected to be operational in the first half of 2011. The New England Community Wind Farm Study will lay the foundations for potentially Australia's second only community-owned wind farm to date.
CHANNELS
In addition to the traditional channels for communication and promotion, the Study has the advantage of a substantial network of partners Consortium, Research and Community Partners to contribute to the community and stakeholder communication and engagement. Other channels include: Media Email Websites (eg. Starfish, NESS, SLA, RDANI, CMG) Facebook Group Newsletters (eg. Starfish, SLAM, CMG) Stakeholder Dialogues & Meetings Survey Study Tours Public Meetings (eg. DECCW Wind Forum) Community Events & Stalls (eg. Armidale Markets, Farmers Markets, Autumn Festival)
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A range of other possible interested stakeholders and supporters may also be interested and willing to convey information regarding the Study such as: Agricultural and Landholder Groups Local Government Catchment Management Authorities Livestock Health & Pest Authorities Environmental Groups (National Parks Association) Service Clubs (Rotary, Lions, Zonta) Aboriginal Organisations Experts Investors
MATERIALS & MEDIUMS

The following materials and mediums are envisaged, subject to budget constraints, with some overlap with the above Channels (for example the web is both a channel and a virtual material or medium): Flyer Poster Presentation Pinwheel-Turbine (origami) Websites (including Facebook, scribd, LinkedIn, shutterfly) Postcard (pointing to Survey & Website) Survey
SYNERGY WITH NEW ENGLAND SUSTAINABILITY COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY
Message Modes Primary mode is Engagement/Mobilisation which seeks to actively engage individuals and groups and organisations in the advocacy for, support and promotion of the New England Wind Farm Study and vision. Key questions: Who needs to be mobilised. For what purpose? What is the call to action?
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Message Design Key Messaging themes, around which all messaging is designed and clustered. Governance an integrated approach bringing together a wide range of community, business and government partners (for example refer the Partner Brand Banner above), including shared funding Shift to Sustainability a community wind farm would be a major contributor Initiatives (Current and future) the Study is Phase 1 and if successful Phase 2 could include membership, investment, site identification and wind monitoring Achievements builds on a wide range of New England Region sustainability initiatives and success Communications Objectives Engage & Mobilise Broaden and deepen consciousness and understanding of our system of energy ~ generation, efficiency, usage, benefits, impacts, etc Improve Practice
SPOKESPERSONS
Starfish Enterprises ~ Adam Blakester, Chair The Community Mutual Group ~ Kevin Dupe Sustainable Living Armidale ~ Patsy Asch
CHALLENGES & RISKS

Identifying and considering challenges and risks were a key part of the Study and were also relevant from the perspective of communications and promotion. For example, effectively communicating about wind farms and wind power in a location where there is none nearby (closest being 6-8 hours drive away) is one of the most obvious and significant communications challenges and risks for the New England Wind Farm Study.
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APPENDICES
PROJECT VARIATION
The only variation of significance that has arisen is the withdrawal of Regional Development Australia Northern Inland (RDANI) from the Consortium. While reiterating their 'in principle support' for New England Wind, RDANI advised: After consulting with our Chair, we are not in a position to assist with the research component at this stage. We have a strong and demanding Work Plan for 2011 with limited resources, both human and financially and this project has not been included at this stage. We simply cannot be actively involved in all projects and initiatives that cross our tables as much as we would like to be. RDANI's role was to have been twofold: 1. Co facilitate dialogue with potential businesses for development of wind and renewable energy; and, 2. Assist with the identification of relevant Australian, State and Local Government legislation, regulation and programs as well as possible assistance to attract investors and buyers of the renewable energy produced. The following steps have been taken to address the gap created by RDANI's withdrawal: Extension of research brief for Jarra Hicks and Nicky Ison to identify relevant Australian, State and Local Government legislation, regulation and programs; Arrangement for a government presentation and discussion with New England North West Regional Coordination Management Group on 23 June 2011 (through NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, New England North West); and, Circulation of the Online Survey through government networks, again with the support and through NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, New England North West.
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CONTEXT CHANGES
There have been several changes in context spanning local, regional, state and national domains relevant to the community wind farm study: The NSW Election heralds a significant political change for the State, particularly changed in the planning environment. The Consortium is liaising closely with the Renewable Energy Precinct Coordinator for any relevant changes for the Study. The planned discussion with the Regional Coordination Management Group is also useful in this regard. Announcement by the Australian Government of an intended price on carbon. New England Wind has received some national media coverage in this context, linked with Embark and HepburnWind. Public attention to energy prices and climate change has been heightened and mostly beneficial, some responses and segments of the community have been very negative. The Australian Senate Inquiry into Rural Wind Farms has to date brought more of the negative aspects and alarmist myths about wind farms to the fore. These misunderstandings have been responded to within the realm of New England Wind's reach through the forums and internet ~ which has been mostly beneficial and positive. Formation of the New England Renewable Energy Precinct Advisory Committee has not yet occurred. As a new endeavour it is not possible to assess what difference the Committee could have made to community wind farm Study. The Sustainable Living Armidale Renewable Energy Reference Group has paused on its work reflecting the largely common group of people involved with the New England Wind Consortium. This has not affected the Study in any material way.
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FORUM FACILITATION PROCESS
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METHODOLOGY & ACTIVITIES REPORT Illustration Index

Illustration Illustration Illustration Illustration Illustration Illustration Illustration Illustration Illustration Illustration Illustration Illustration Illustration Illustration Illustration Illustration Illustration 1: Armidale Community Wind Farm Forum......................................................................................................... 3 2: Methodology Summary.............................................................................................................................................. 5 3: Phases of Work.................................................................................................................................................................. 6 4: Deliverables & Milestones Summary.................................................................................................................... 8 5: November '10 Consortium Meeting................................................................................................................... 9 6: February '11 Consortium Meeting..................................................................................................................... 10 7: Stakeholder Mapping................................................................................................................................................ 12 8: Welcome Page ~ Qualtics Online Survey Courtesty UNE.................................................................13 9: Online Survey Postcard............................................................................................................................................ 14 10: Brand Options & Preferences as at April 2011.......................................................................................15 11: Survey Working Group............................................................................................................................................ 17 12: Community Power Agency ~ N Ison & J Hicks, 2011.........................................................................20 13: scribd Screen Shot.................................................................................................................................................... 24 14: Northern Daily Leader Media Article............................................................................................................ 25 15: Clean Energy Council News covers Online Survey.............................................................................26 16: Glen Innes Examiner Media Story................................................................................................................... 27 17: Sydney Morning Herald Media Coverage............................................................................................... 28
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Ethodology Ctivities Eport: N E T C W F S

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METHODOLOGY & ACTIVITIES REPORT

NEW ENGLAND TABLELANDS COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

METHODOLOGY & ACTIVITIES REPORT

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

METHODOLOGY & ACTIVITIES REPORT TABLE

Deliverables & Milestones..........................................8 Governance & Coordination..................................9

Increased Activities.....................................................13 Potential Participants & Partnerships...............16

Structures, Funding & Governance Models 20

Illustration 1: Armidale Community Wind Farm Forum

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

METHODOLOGY & ACTIVITIES REPORT

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

METHODOLOGY & ACTIVITIES SUMMARY

Illustration 2: Methodology Summary

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

Illustration 3: Phases of Work

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

METHODOLOGY & ACTIVITIES REPORT

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

DELIVERABLES & MILESTONES

Illustration 4: Deliverables & Milestones Summary

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

METHODOLOGY & ACTIVITIES REPORT

GOVERNANCE & COORDINATION

Illustration 5: November '10 Consortium Meeting

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

METHODOLOGY & ACTIVITIES REPORT

Illustration 6: February '11 Consortium Meeting

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

METHODOLOGY & ACTIVITIES REPORT

Community Renewable Energy Research Risks & Opportunities

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

METHODOLOGY & ACTIVITIES REPORT

Illustration 7: Stakeholder Mapping

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

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Illustration 8: Welcome Page ~ Qualtics Online Survey Courtesty UNE

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

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Illustration 9: Online Survey Postcard

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

Illustration 10: Brand Options & Preferences as at April 2011

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

METHODOLOGY & ACTIVITIES REPORT

POTENTIAL PARTICIPANTS & PARTNERSHIPS

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

METHODOLOGY & ACTIVITIES REPORT

Illustration 11: Survey Working Group

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

METHODOLOGY & ACTIVITIES REPORT

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

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