Energy Insiders - a RenewEconomy Podcast The remarkable story of Australia's first community-owned solar farm
Mar 27, 2026
Vari (Mhairi) Fraser, who led Goulburn Community Solar Energy Group to build Australia’s first community-owned solar farm with battery storage. She tells the long, grassroots journey from political spark to fundraising, regulatory snags, COVID delays and final construction. Also covers co-op ownership, dividends, local benefits and tips for other communities looking to follow their lead.
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How Goulburn’s Project Started From Frustration
- Vari Fraser says the Goulburn community decided to build a solar farm after anger at federal climate policy and a Community Energy Congress in 2014.
- A local construction company offered land beside the railway and helped with preliminary DA work, making the urban site possible.
Grant De Risking Multiplied Local Investment Quickly
- A 2019 NSW infrastructure grant de-risked the project and unlocked local investment, proving grants can catalyse community projects.
- The co-op raised $2.4 million in six weeks to match a $2.1 million government grant, with 80% of 288 investors local to Goulburn.
COVID And An Unexpected Grant Tax Nearly Broke The Project
- COVID disrupted timing, workforce and component costs, forcing repeated recosting and long delays despite having grant and investor funds.
- A federal tax on government grants additionally reduced available funds and required upfront payment, straining cashflow.