RDA Riverina and Transgrid are in the final year of a 3-year strategic partnership focused on workforce development across the region as it becomes a hub for the country's renewable energy transformation. This collaboration has strengthened RDA Riverina's long-standing initiatives addressing the full workforce lifecycle—attraction, welcoming, retention, and growing local talent—and enables the local economy to harness the advantages of development as part of clean energy infrastructure projects in the region. Key programs supported include Country Change, Jobs Riverina Murray, and Grow Our Own, alongside targeted regional research.
On 27 March 2025, RDA Riverina hosted its quarterly Economic Development Officer Forum, where CEO and Director of Regional Development, Rachel Whiting, launched 2 pivotal reports under the partnership:
- Early Childhood Education and Care in the Riverina
This report highlights critical shortages in childcare services, which directly impacts workforce participation, particularly for women. It reinforces findings from the Regional Australia Institute that 35% of Australians live in "childcare deserts." It presents local data, consultations with early childhood professionals, and surveys of providers and parents. The report provides insights in a frequently overlooked area of renewable energy workforce development, and supports policy development, strategic planning, and funding applications for local government and childcare providers.
- Major Project Workforce Histogram
Presented by RDA Riverina Research Officer Melanie Renkin, this report forecasts labour and skills demand over the next 3 to 5 years, driven by infrastructure projects exceeding $500 million. Developed following consultation at RDA Riverina's Major Projects Engagement Session in late 2022, the workforce histogram offers detailed projections of labour and skills demand across occupations and the Riverina and Murray regions. It highlights the scale of employment opportunities and challenges driven by major infrastructure investments. This research supports both the renewable energy sector and regional businesses by providing insights into workforce needs over time. It informs strategic decisions to meet project milestones, identifies growth and employment opportunities, and helps businesses build resilience against workforce pressures.
Nicole Ryan, Transgrid's General Manager of Government Stakeholder and Advocacy, reaffirmed the organisation's $1.5 million commitment to supporting regional research and advocacy. The partnership has enabled RDA Riverina to undertake high-impact research that informs both renewable energy projects and broader regional business planning. RDA Riverina is committed to releasing further updates to the Workforce Histogram as more renewable energy projects provide the data. Currently, RDA Riverina is progressing a new research initiative, also supported by TransGrid, investigating the role and effectiveness of career advisors in schools. This work aims to strengthen career pathways and better align education with emerging workforce needs.
The RDA Riverina–Transgrid partnership has delivered tangible outcomes for regional development and the renewable energy industry's workforce needs, providing evidence-based insights that support workforce resilience, economic growth, and social inclusion. Through strategic collaboration, the partnership has worked towards positioning the region to better meet the demands of major infrastructure investment and evolving community needs.
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Image: Rachel Whiting presents the findings of the Early Childhood Education and Care in the Riverina report funded by Transgrid.
Note: Case study current as at 23 October 2025.