Through the first two renewable electricity support scheme, RESS, auctions, my Department has provided pathways and supports for communities to participate in renewable energy projects through the application of a community projects category. Ten community projects were successful in the RESS 2 auction. Of these, eight signed implementation agreements to deliver under the RESS 2 terms and conditions and remain in the scheme. Those projects are proceeding through the scheme milestones. Some may develop through alternative routes to market, including the upcoming small-scale renewable electricity support scheme, SRESS. The final date for projects to achieve commercial operation in RESS 2 is 31 December 2026. There is evidence of significant challenges which renewable energy community projects may face with the competitive, auction-based nature of RESS, along with grid and other barriers to project delivery. Community projects therefore will now transition to the non-competitive small-scale renewable electricity support scheme. The export tariff phase of SRESS to support small-scale and community renewable projects is due to be launched in the coming weeks with the announcement of relevant tariff support rates which will be a major step forward in supporting the community energy sector. It will include similar community energy-enabling technical and financial supports that are currently provided under RESS.