The rapid development of Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) across rural New South Wales represents a significant shift in the landscape of regional communities. While these projects promise long-term environmental and economic benefits, their implementation has created new and complex challenges for the mental health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. This presentation will explore the work of the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) in REZ-affected regions, with a focus on disaster preparedness and response strategies that foster resilience and address emerging psychosocial outcomes.
Unlike acute natural disasters such as drought, fire, or flood—events that are typically collective, and externally caused—REZ developments represent a slow-moving, human-driven change that can fracture social cohesion. Communities have reported heightened experiences of uncertainty, divisiveness, and a perceived loss of control. RAMHP’s proactive and inclusive approach addresses these challenges by embedding mental health support within communities, enhancing local capacity, and facilitating collaboration between stakeholders.
This session will share insights from RAMHP’s work on the ground, highlight community perspectives on the psychosocial impacts of REZ, and explore strategies for future preparedness. The presentation will also contrast REZ-related adversity with traditional natural disasters, offering a nuanced understanding of how rural mental health can be supported through innovation, collaboration, and inclusive, place-based approaches. Ultimately, we aim to contribute to a broader conversation about what resilience looks like in the context of long-term structural change and how rural communities can be empowered during times of transformation.