Plenary panel: Project and landowner approvals in renewable energy projects

A critical challenge for engineers working on renewable energy projects are the significant environmental, landowner (including farmers, regional groups and Indigenous communities), amenity and cost complexities that are inherent within the project lifecycle. And not just with the project footprint itself, but with the hundreds of kilometres of transmission lines needed to support these regionally erected renewable energy projects.

Project approval is a major hurdle in these projects proceeding and advancing the energy transition. Meaningful community and stakeholder engagement is critical, not just for gaining approval but for delivering positive social outcomes for the communities impacted.

Join this panel of speakers to unpack the challenges and ways forward in navigating the complexities of project approvals and delivery.

Simon Corbell

Board Chair, SEC Victoria

Biography

Simon Corbell has worked in climate and energy policy in the government and private sectors for two decades. 

He has held multiple portfolios as a minister in the ACT Government including Deputy Chief Minister, climate change, energy, planning, environment and transport. During this time, he led the delivery of the ACT’s 100 per cent renewable energy program and the development of Stage 1 of the Canberra light rail project. 

Between 2020-24 Simon was CEO and board chair of the Clean Energy Investor Group. In May 2024 he was appointed board chair of SEC Victoria by the Victorian Government.

Gillian Cagney

President Australia and New Zealand, Worley

Biography

Gillian Cagney was appointed President Australia and New Zealand in July 2020 to deliver Worley’s ambition of being recognised as a global leader in sustainability solutions across the region.

Gillian leads a team of more than 4500 people with responsibility for the financial and operational performance of Worley’s business in Australia and New Zealand, as well as Mongolia and Papua New Guinea.

She is passionate about working with a broad range of stakeholders from customers through to government and industry groups to support the region’s transition to a low carbon future and deliver sustainable, resilient infrastructure that improves our shared economic and social well-being, helping achieve gender equality and raise the profile of women in STEM.

Gillian joined Worley in Ireland in 2004 and since then has held various positions in engineering, project and portfolio management, and operational management in Ireland, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. She relocated to Australia in 2005 and has held project engineering and senior leadership role across several industries.

Gillian graduated with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Cork Institute of Technology, Ireland in 2001. She is a member of Chief Executive Women, the Champions of Change Coalition and a Board member of the Venture Taranaki Trust.

Gerard Coggan

Coordinator-General, Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning

Biography

Gerard Coggan commenced as Queensland Coordinator-General in January 2024, and has the responsibility to lead the coordination and facilitation of Queensland's major infrastructure projects and drive sustainable development and economic growth across the state.

Mr Coggan has more than 25 years’ experience in infrastructure project management and consulting and has a demonstrated history of steering work through complex environmental sustainability and community engagement processes.

Prior to this role, he has worked in both the private and public sectors, most recently engaged as a General Manager at APA Group.

As an independent officer of the state reporting directly to the Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, the Coordinator-General is relied upon to drive and deliver economic opportunities for Queensland. As the Coordinator-General, Mr Coggan plays a critical role in leveraging significant, wide-ranging regulatory powers to plan, deliver and coordinate large-scale projects, while ensuring their environmental and social impacts are properly managed. 

Mr Coggan is an advocate for the Queensland Government’s Path to Treaty, joint Government Champion for the Yarrabah Aboriginal Community and the department’s Executive Sponsor for the Yhurri Gurri framework and implementation plan.

Russell Reid

Senior Aboriginal Affairs and Participation Consultant and National RAP Relations Lead, WSP Australia

Biography

Russell is a Gamillaraay (Kamilaroi) man with an extensive history of working across multidisciplinary teams, especially in relation to Cultural Heritage and liaison with Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities. He brings strong and valuable experience building partnerships between Aboriginal organisations, businesses, people and projects.

Recently, Russell was the Aboriginal Affairs Adviser for the Transgrid Energy Connect Project – Border to Buronga, Buronga to Wagga Wagga, and brings a wealth of experience in Aboriginal engagement across a range of culturally complex infrastructure projects.

Russell is the National RAP Relations Lead for WSP in Australia, advising and helping to shape WSP’s actions that aim to bring about mutual understanding and learning that will ultimately serve to create a sustainable, vibrant and connected future.

Jacqui Bridge FIEAust CPEng EngExec

Executive General Manager Energy Futures, Powerlink Queensland

Biography

Jacqui is the Executive General Manager Energy Futures at Powerlink Queensland leading the corporate strategy, energy regulation, energy markets and energy policy functions. In this role, Jacqui is driving the energy transformation, including input and support for the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, planning and delivery of the Queensland Supergrid and Renewable Energy Zones. 

With more than 25 years of experience in the energy sector, Jacqui engages with stakeholders to understand customer needs and influence the development of policy and regulatory frameworks for the future power system.