THE New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) will provide opportunities for the region moving forward, but it may also cause a number of issues which Uralla Shire Council (USC) are keen to bring up with the state government.
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USC has remained neutral on the project, neither throwing its support behind it, or rallying against the initiative, but it has put together a comprehensive report detailing the impacts it will have.
Mayor Michael Pearce is optimistic about the opportunities it will present and said it is important to capitalise on the benefits that will arise from the project.
"We can assist to facilitate community engagement, because as we know in the future renewable energy is just going to be going off like a firecracker in this region," he said.
"It's really good, it's in the early stages, but it's an exciting time for us."
But at the latest ordinary council meeting, a submission was made to the government highlighting a range of issues that may occur.
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Housing is set to be a major sticking point, with the demand for short-term accommodation set to skyrocket once construction gets underway.
The effect on local construction supplies is also something council is concerned about, with much of it set to be used on building infrastructure associated with the REZ.
A specific, but no less crucial note that was made, is the effect REZ infrastructure such as wind turbines could have on aerial firefighting missions.
As part of the submission, USC also CC'd in its neighbouring councils - Walcha, Armidale, Inverell Severn and Glen Innes - which it is working closely with throughout the process to try and maximise any benefits.
The submission will be on public exhibition until November 12.
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