In this thought-leaders episode of emPOWER, host Wendy Agar speaks with one of Australia’s most experienced energy leaders — Paul Binsted, Chair of Energy Corporation of NSW and former Chair of Stanwell Corporation in Queensland.

With deep experience across corporate finance, infrastructure, generation, and transmission,Paul brings unmatched insight into the reality of Australia’s energy transition. In this conversation, he breaks down a complex system with clarity, exploring what it really takes to deliver abundant, affordable, and reliable energy while ensuring regional communities share in the benefits of a fair transition.

Together, Wendy and Paul unpack big questions shaping Australia’s energy future, including:

• The current state of the energy transition across the country — and what it means for host communities
• Why abundant and reliable energy underpins a thriving, modern society
• The importance of genuine engagement, good-neighbour behaviour, and working with a generosity of spirit
• The three priorities Paul believes Australia must get right for communities to adapt and thrive
• What success could look like in 2035 — for both the energy system and the regions powering it

This episode is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, partnering with communities to deliver the Regional Energy Accord — bringing people, industry, and government together to guide the transition and create real local outcomes.

Settle in for a thoughtful, clear, and timely discussion with Paul Binsted — and discover what a fair and prosperous energy future could look like for regional Australia.

Produced by The Podcast Boss

In this thought-leaders episode of emPOWER, Wendy Agar speaks with David Shankey, CEO of the Net Zero Economy Authority, the national body helping Australia’s regions and communities navigate the shift to a net zero emissions economy.

Before leading the Authority, David was Deputy Director-General at Queensland’s Department of Energy and Public Works, where he built a reputation for his deep expertise in energy and climate policy—and his commitment to ensuring regional communities share in the benefits of change.

Together, Wendy and David explore a big question: How can we meet Australia’s national energy needs while ensuring host communities share in the benefits of a fair transition?

Drawing on his experience, David unpacks:

• The current state of play for regional communities and landholders in Australia’s energy transition
• What needs to happen to support both traditional energy regions in transition and communities experiencing new renewable development
• The role of government partnership and community-led planning in shaping fair and lasting outcomes
• Why there’s no single silver bullet, but many local solutions needed for diverse regional economies

emPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO-led collaboration

across the national energy sector. They partner with communities to create a Regional Energy Accord that guides the transition and delivers real local outcomes.

Produced By The Podcast Boss

In this thought-leaders episode of emPOWER, host Wendy Agar speaks with two passionate regional advocates — Mayor Andrew Smith from Western Downs Regional Council in Queensland and Tracy Lefroy, former Shire President of Moora in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt — about what it takes to lead communities through change in Australia’s energy transition.

While their regions are at different stages of renewable energy development, both Councils are navigating the same challenge — guiding their communities through rapid change while keeping politics out of it. They talk candidly about the bravery and leadership required to bring people along, the importance of communication, transparency, and collaboration, and why communities need to be partners, not passengers, in shaping their energy future.

Together, they unpack:

• How councils can and must help their regions adapt and thrive through change
• The need for genuine partnership, open dialogue, and confident and informed decision-making
• Why diversification and co-existence are key to sustainable regional economies
• Their vision for a fair transition where, in their words, “regions are partners in progress, not casualties of change.”

Join Wendy, Andrew, and Tracy as they explore how Australia can meet its national energy needs while ensuring regional communities share in the benefits — and the future — of a fair transition.

emPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO-led collaboration

across the national energy sector. They partner with communities to create a Regional Energy Accord that guides the transition and delivers real local outcomes.

Produced by The Podcast Boss