Renewable energy is shaping the future, but at what cost to rural communities? Warren Davies, also known as The Unbreakable Farmer, recently chatted with Doug on Table Talk, shedding light on the silent toll of mental health challenges that often go unnoticed in farming regions impacted by these renewable energy projects.
The Unbreakable Farmer’s Journey
Warren Davies didn’t set out to be a speaker or mental health advocate. After losing his dairy farm in northern Victoria, he struggled with his identity and purpose. “I was searching for my identity and purpose in life after losing my dairy farm,” he shared.
A speaker course helped him find a new direction, and a fellow participant suggested the name “The Unbreakable Farmer” after hearing his story. Now, nearly a decade later, Warren speaks across Australia, advocating for mental health and community recovery.
How Renewable Projects Are Impacting Farmers
Renewable energy projects bring economic opportunities, but they also create deep divisions in small communities. Warren has seen firsthand the impact on relationships and mental health. “People who were neighbours for generations, who used to share machinery, aren’t talking anymore because they’re on opposite sides of the debate,” he explained.
For those hosting wind or solar farms on their properties, financial compensation is a benefit. However, others see their farming practices disrupted by transmission lines that they have little control over.
Lack of Transparency and Community Consultation
Warren believes the rollout of renewable projects is causing unnecessary tension due to poor communication and leadership. “One of the biggest issues is the lack of transparency. The way these projects are being implemented is breaking down communities,” he said.
Government policies push for climate goals, but little consideration is given to the local impact. Families are divided, succession plans are disrupted, and communities that were once strong are fracturing.
The Ripple Effect on Rural Life
When rural communities fracture, the effects go beyond personal relationships. Essential services, already scarce, become even harder to access. “It’s already difficult to get a doctor in small rural towns. If communities shrink further, that challenge only grows,” Warren noted.
Farming is tough, and living in the bush has its challenges. But when mental health struggles are compounded by conflict over renewable projects, the burden becomes even heavier.
The Disappearing Leadership in Rural Communities
A major concern Warren highlighted is the loss of grassroots leadership due to the stress and division caused by these projects. “Even the leaders at the community level are struggling under the pressure. Some are withdrawing altogether, leaving communities without the guidance they desperately need,” he explained.
He sees an opportunity for balanced leadership. Leaders who can put aside personal biases to help communities navigate these challenges.
“We need leadership at every level. Federal, state, local, and within communities to ensure that mental health and well-being are prioritised. Right now, uncertainty is one of the biggest stressors, and that comes from poor consultation and communication,” he said.
The Impact on Families and Young People
Warren also highlighted the effect these tensions have on children and young people in rural communities. “It’s such an emotive topic, and kids are hearing these conversations at home, at school, even at the footy club. If one family supports renewables and another opposes them, that division trickles down to the kids,” he said.
Bullying and social tensions can arise, making rural life even harder for young people. Worse, if they feel their town is no longer a good place to grow up, they may move away, further shrinking already struggling communities.
“If kids don’t see a future in these towns, they’ll leave. And that only speeds up the decline of rural communities,” Warren warned.
Mental Health in Rural Communities
Mental health struggles are common in farming communities, yet conversations about them remain rare. “People have a better idea about mental health now, but the tough conversations still aren’t happening,” Warren said.
The silent toll of renewable projects on rural communities is a rarely new phenomenon though, and their impact needs to be addressed before its too late. “After a tragedy, you often hear, ‘We didn’t notice anything,’ but in reality, there were signs.” While awareness has improved, breaking the stigma and normalizing discussions about mental well-being is still a work in progress.
A Lack of Mental Health Support
Despite the growing need for mental health resources, many rural communities are struggling to access them. Some mental health professionals are even hesitant to visit certain areas due to safety concerns.
“In some towns, there’s so much hostility over renewable projects that mental health workers are reluctant to enter. Meanwhile, local governments—often the ones funding these services—are also caught in the conflict, making it even harder to get support where it’s needed most,” Warren explained.
Without proper mental health support, the emotional strain on communities will only worsen.
Finding a Way Forward
Warren believes that while renewable projects are inevitable, the way they are implemented needs to change.
“We need to come together and talk. Rural communities have always been built on connection, kindness, and understanding, but this debate is tearing that apart,” he said.
He urges communities to rebuild their sense of unity and for project developers and policymakers to prioritise better consultation. “People need to make their own decisions, and that’s their right. But we have to find a way to stay connected and supportive of each other, no matter which side of the debate we’re on,” he said.
Renewable energy is here to stay. However, without addressing the silent toll of renewable projects on rural communities, divisions will continue to grow. Open conversations, mental health support, and better leadership are essential to ensure a sustainable future for both energy and rural life.
Listen to full conversation below.