Episode
Walking the Tightrope – Community Leadership in the Energy Transition with Mayor Andrew Smith and Tracy Lefroy
- Published
- Nov 24, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 2157
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Summary
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