This submission centres on the adequacy of community consultation and engagement in the development of Renewable Energy Zones and associated projects. Our analysis  is based on independent research, as well as interviews with government and community officials. 

Our recommendations include:

1. Improving transparency in landowner negotiations;
2. Developing a standard template for lease agreements;
3. Supporting access to legal advice for landowners;
4. Enhancing communication regarding the approval process of large scale renewable projects;
5. Ensuring community consultation is carried out in a culturally sensitive manner by experienced professionals; 
6. support community benefit-sharing programs; and
7. Offering clarity around caps on benefit-sharing programs. 

This submission outlines policy mechanisms that the Government can implement to boost industry adoption of sustainable practices, thereby facilitating Australia’s transition to a circular economy.

As we stand at a crucial juncture in our economic development, it is imperative that we continue to update our approach to growth in ways that will protect the economy and generations to come.

The transition to a circular economy will foster long-term economic resilience in Australia. By rethinking our production and consumption models, we can reduce dependence on finite resources, strengthen our economic security and mitigate the risks associated with resource scarcity and price volatility. 

A more systematic approach to designing circular principles into our economy —such as designing products for longevity, promoting repair and reuse, and enhancing recycling efforts—will create a more sustainable economic framework that is better equipped to withstand environmental and economic shocks. This shift not only conserves finite resources but also opens up new markets and job opportunities in emerging sectors focused on sustainability. It will strengthen our economy and ensure a more stable future for all Australians.

This submission offers policymakers a practical blueprint for a just transition for workers and communities affected by industry change. It recommends establishing regional adaptation authorities, ending public subsidies for native logging, and embedding the value of natural capital in public investment decisions. With a major review of the industry scheduled for 2024, the report urges the NSW Government to take this opportunity to plan a sustainable, forward-looking future for the state’s native forests.

Based on the findings of Blueprint Institute's report, 'Branching out: Exploring alternate land use options for the native forests of NSW,' we estimate that ending native forest logging in NSW in 2023–24, rather than continuing until 2039–40, would deliver a net benefit of at least $294 million in present-day terms. This figure includes projected revenue from carbon sequestration and tourism, as well as the costs of industry transition and contract termination.

The analysis finds that continued native forest logging on the North Coast is economically unviable, sustained only by subsidies from the profitable softwood division of the Forestry Corporation of NSW and periodic taxpayer support. In contrast, managing these forests for conservation could abate an average of 450,000 tonnes of carbon annually, support new tourism markets, and create long-term economic value for the region.

Home ownership today remains out of reach for many Australians. This submission investigates the idea of enabling Australians to access mandatory superannuation contributions to buy their first property.

Our analysis indicates that permitting withdrawals of mandatory superannuation payments for the purposes of purchasing a home would substantially broaden access to the housing market for 25-44 year olds at different income levels, allowing several hundred thousand more people to be able to, in theory, afford their first home purchase. However the reality of insufficient dwelling stock severely constrains the actual number of people who could benefit from these changes. We estimate that demand for low-cost housing (priced around $300,00-$500,000) under the new scheme would outstrip supply four to one. 

The scheme enables couples aged 25-44 on median incomes to purchase a first home under the scheme. Singles, however, are still constrained by income, even when granted access to mandatory superannuation contributions.

We recommend that, contingent on addressing supply side issues, first time home buyers should be permitted to access their mandatory superannuation contributions, which should be repaid to their superannuation prior to retirement. Implementing a repayment mechanism for withdrawals would preserve participant’s superannuation savings in the long run whilst enabling home ownership earlier. 

Independent of these recommendations, we also suggest that the existing First Home Super Saver Scheme annual and total withdrawal caps be abolished and that withdrawals under the scheme be simplified.