**Published name**
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6. We welcome feedback on the proposed eligibility and merit criteria.
Well-structured eligibility and merit criteria have the capacity to inspire impactful investment in the regions that is beneficial for all.
The Australian Government has the capacity to accelerate and collate the learnings from each state in relation to social licence. Done well, the Australian Government can play a positive leadership role that does not create unnecessary complications and additional hurdles.
8. Do you have any other feedback?
There needs to be recognition that social infrastructure is essential to ensure the success of the renewable energy transition. If regional and remote communities are not empowered and supported to provide social infrastructure, proponents will struggle to retain quality staff and the transition could further deepen Australia's increasing economic divide. Both government and proponents need to be supported to invest for the long term strategic benefit of the regions. Community Benefit Sharing and community engagement can play an important role.
There is an opportunity to invest in benefit sharing, local procurement, social procurement and activate the potential and ambition in regional communities.
