Author: Tarnia Riggs

Tarnia Riggs is a consultant, writer, and founder of multiple brands across consultancy, media, and digital platforms. TarniaRiggs.com is the central hub connecting her work, projects, and ventures.

Energy #101 Series: Why Are Governments Asking AI Data Centres to Bring Their Own Power?

Modern AI data centre connected to high-voltage electricity infrastructure, highlighting the growing need for dedicated power generation to support artificial intelligence.

Artificial intelligence is driving one of the biggest increases in electricity demand in decades. As AI data centres grow larger and more power-hungry, governments are increasingly asking developers to “bring their own power” by investing in new generation, batteries and grid infrastructure. This Energy #101 guide explains what the policy means, why it’s emerging, and how AI is reshaping Australia’s energy system, infrastructure planning and stakeholder engagement in plain English.

The Three Ps That Quietly Undermine Belonging

The Three Ps That Quietly Undermine Belonging – professionals collaborating in a workplace meeting representing inclusive leadership, trust and psychological safety.

Belonging isn’t created by policies alone—it is built through everyday leadership behaviours. This article explores the Three Ps that quietly undermine belonging—patronising, paternalism and pity—and how leaders can foster greater trust, psychological safety and inclusion through awareness, respect and genuine partnership.

Energy #101 Series: Why Is Gas Back in the Conversation?

Energy 101 cover image showing natural gas infrastructure alongside wind turbines and solar panels, illustrating Australia's evolving energy transition and the continuing role of gas.

Australia’s energy conversation is changing. After years of encouraging electrification and reducing gas use, governments are once again recognising gas as part of Australia’s energy transition. This Energy 101 article explores why policy has evolved and how gas, renewables, batteries and transmission work together to support a reliable energy system.

Energy #101 Series: Renewable Energy Zones: A Global Movement

Global map illustrating Renewable Energy Zones and coordinated clean energy planning across Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America, Central America and South America.

Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) are transforming how electricity is generated, stored and delivered across Australia and around the world. Discover how different countries are planning the clean energy transition through renewable energy hubs, transmission networks and integrated energy systems, and why coordinated planning is essential for a reliable, sustainable energy future.

Communication Explains Decisions. Stakeholder Engagement Improves Them.

Stakeholders and project teams collaborating around plans and maps during a project workshop, demonstrating how engagement contributes to better decision-making.

Stakeholder engagement is often mistaken for communication with better branding. In reality, its purpose is far more strategic. This article explores how genuine engagement helps organisations identify risks, gain valuable insights, build trust and make better decisions across infrastructure, energy, government and community-facing projects.

Energy #101 Series: Why Renewable Projects Take So Long — It’s Not Just About Building Wind Turbines

Energy #101 infographic illustrating why renewable energy projects take years to develop, featuring wind turbines, solar panels, transmission infrastructure, community consultation, environmental field studies, planning processes and project delivery stages.

Energy #101 Series: Why Renewable Projects Take So Long — It’s Not Just About Building Wind Turbines: Renewable energy projects are often discussed as though construction is the primary challenge. In reality, years of planning, stakeholder engagement, environmental assessments, heritage studies, grid connection requirements and regulatory approvals typically occur long before construction begins. This Energy #101 article explores the complex journey from project concept to delivery and explains why building renewable energy infrastructure is about far more than simply installing wind turbines and solar panels.

Why the City of Adelaide’s Community Engagement Policy Matters

City of Adelaide Community Engagement Policy consultation 2026

The City of Adelaide is seeking community feedback on its updated Community Engagement Policy, designed to align with South Australia’s new Community Engagement Charter and ensure consultation efforts match the significance and impact of decisions affecting the community.