There is growing discontent on the plains of western Victoria as renewable energy companies chase the region's abundance of sun and wind.
The Wimmera Southern Mallee region, home to prosperous cropping and cattle farms, is in a Renewable Energy Zone, earmarked for wind and solar farms and transmission lines.
But a lack of engagement from governments and energy companies has left farmers and local businesses worried for their future, Wimmera Southern Mallee Development chief executive Chris Sounness told AAP.
"People who have fear in their heart for a whole range of reasons do get really worked up," Mr Sounness said.
"I sat in a meeting where a farmer said 'the only way this project goes ahead is when I get carried out in a coffin'.
"When someone is at that point in their thinking, there's very little space to go forward ... everybody wants to support that person."
Research by the Regional Australia Institute, released on Tuesday, shows locals feel like an afterthought in a region key to federal and state energy policy.
"(This) has happened quickly and has been seen as top-down, clashing with the long-held lifestyle and history of local people," the institute's Towards Net Zero - Empowering Regional Communities report said.
It was one of six regions profiled by the institute to gauge the needs of communities at the forefront of the energy transition.
Across most of the regions, including Queensland's Banana Shire and South Australia's Upper Spencer Gulf, there is a sense that renewables are an opportunity for economic gain.
However, communities need improved engagement from governments, a commitment to use local workers, as well as more housing, healthcare and early education.
"We cannot simply aim to reach net zero at any cost," the institute's chief executive Liz Ritchie said.
"It must be done in a way that is just and provides local opportunities, in an efficient manner, with an equity of outcomes for all Australians.
"And the clock is ticking."
Among the report's recommendations is the creation of a "prosperity collective" that combines government, industry and communities to direct investment where it's needed most.
"Above all else ... communities saw the transition as an opportunity to build a lasting legacy for future generations," the report said.
"To fully harness the transition's potential, regional communities want practical and accessible transition advice, rather than high-level targets and strategic ambitions."
Mr Sounness, whose organisation promotes responsible growth through renewables, agriculture and tourism, said energy companies will have to stick by rural communities for decades.
"How are these towns going to be better off? The companies and the government can't say quite yet," he said.
"So all they're doing is creating an opportunity for fear and misinformation to run riot."
Energy and growing regional populations will be the focus of the institute's national summit in Canberra this week, featuring experts on technology, housing transport and early education.
Regional Development Minister Kristy McBain is due to address delegates, as well as Nationals leader David Littleproud.
