“My role functions as a bridge between technical teams and communities. Trying to shape a future where renewable projects are not only environmentally sound but locally embraced starts with really listening, adapting and building trust one conversation at a time”
– Lucy Mackenzie, Community & Stakeholder Lead, Blue Power Partners Australia.
As the sole person in this function, Lucy plays a pivotal role in shaping engagement strategies and helping project teams to understand the needs and nuances of the communities they are in. Her work reflects a strong commitment to inclusive, community-focused outcomes and a desire to do what is best for project communities, both during development and construction, and through their lasting legacies.
My role as community and stakeholder lead
“I manage relationships across all stakeholder groups impacted by our projects. This means local councils, residents, businesses as well as community organizations. My goal is to deliver clear communication about project impacts, approvals processes and feedback opportunities, and handle enquiries and complaints. I have responsibility for a variety of communications channels, including websites, newsletters and phone lines. I also coordinate community input on ‘negotiable’ project elements, such as transport routes, where feasible.
A key focus, which is close to my heart, is community benefit sharing. That is, designing and delivering tailored programs, such as grant schemes or sponsorships, based on local needs and project scale. “
Skills and strengths I draw on in my day-to-day
“My role is centered on relationship management, with a strong focus on empathy and clear communication when engaging with stakeholders – particularly those who may oppose a project. It is important to acknowledge concerns respectfully and provide information that can help reduce fear or tackle misinformation, though not all issues can be resolved through facts alone.
Strong internal collaboration is also essential. I maintain close relationships with project managers, engineers and construction teams to ensure I have the information needed for community engagement and that project teams receive timely feedback from stakeholders. This helps us proactively address concerns and improve project outcomes. It also puts me in the best spot to translate technical content, such as construction methods or technologies, into accessible language for broader audiences.”
Why choose this career path?
“This is my first role in the renewables sector, but I have spent over a decade in communications and stakeholder engagement in infrastructure, primarily across rail, water and major transport projects. My background in communication led me to engagement, where I discovered a passion for helping to translate complex technical information into easily understandable information for diverse communities.
One of the things that makes this role especially meaningful is being part of the transition to green energy. Working in renewables is a sustainable and purpose-driven endeavour, knowing that the projects we deliver contribute to the renewable energy transition.
The people in the industry are also a big part of what I love about my work. Our Australian team is small but diverse, with colleagues from around the world who bring unique skills and perspectives. Whether it is exchanging ideas across global teams or learning from others’ experience working with communities, there is always something to be learnt.”
“It is a pivotal time for community engagement in the renewable industry – particularly in Australia. Support is growing, but so is misinformation. Listening to concerns and showing how feedback shapes outcomes is key to building trust and driving progress within the field.”
My future lies in renewable energy
“I hope to keep finding new and creative ways to engage communities, and to keep spruiking the importance of consultation to project teams. I’m also looking forward to continuing to develop my skills in the benefit sharing space. I want to move beyond standard ‘templates’ for engagement and benefit sharing to deliver meaningful, place-based outcomes that communities can truly connect with.
I also see the opportunity to expand our footprint into new regions and explore emerging technologies. Staying curious and open to innovation is key, especially as we navigate complex issues like misinformation, environmental concerns and resistance.”
