For Coolahfarmer and truck owner, Malcolm Rouse, securing work on the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) wasn’t about the size of his one-truck fleet, but rather persistence, relationships and a calculated leap of faith.
For 30 years, Malcolm’s main source of income has been his 2,000 acre mixed farm, with trucking work on the side to make ends meet.
“They first started talking about a REZ probably 20 years ago. It probably only seriously came on my radar in the last couple of years, when I started to get pretty disillusioned with the returns I could make off my farm,” he said.
As the REZ gathered pace, Malcolm made a conscious decision to show up wherever and whenever information was being shared.
“Every time there was a meeting in town, whether it was EnergyCo or ICN or some government body that wanted to talk about the REZ or how good it was going to be for everyone, I made a point of getting there and trying to work out how it all worked, who I needed to speak to,” he said.
He got in touch with ICN’s David Norris, who helped him create his ICN Gateway profile and gave him advice about who to approach about the REZ.
“He’s never been too busy to speak to me, and if I couldn’t get onto him, he’s always rung me back.”
Malcolm biggest breakthrough, however, was to take advice from an Acciona manager to invest in a water tanker, something he was told the REZ always needed on site.
On that guidance, Malcolm took a genuine leap of faith.
“I went and spent $100,000 without a job, because everyone said when they ring you, you’ve got to be ready. And that’s what happened. I got the call 4 o’clock in the afternoon – ‘Can you be here at six o’clock tomorrow morning?’,” he said faith.
Since starting subcontract water hauling work at the REZ in August 2025, Malcolm and his wife’s finances have been transformed.
“It’s 7 days a week, 10 hours a day. It’s regular income, which gives us cash flow.”
That stability has allowed the couple to take their first holiday in 6 years.
Malcolm has even been in a position to share his good fortune, employing five part time staff, all drawn from his network of friends and neighbours.
“I wanted to help mates, locals, people I knew. I can offer them more than what they make just fencing for their neighbours. They like it because it’s regular, it’s good money, and it’s not as physically hard as digging post holes.”
Along the way, Malcolm has navigated a steep learning curve around major‑project paperwork, such as anti‑slavery policies, work method statements and insurances. with help from his wife, a bookkeeper, supportive project staff and of course, David Norris.
His key takeaway for other small operators is simple.
“The thing that’ll get you over the line is contacts – just getting contacts and just keeping at it. And if you ask nicely and you ask the right person, they will help you.”
Find out more about the Central‑West Orana Renewable Energy Zone.