The Nationals in Government will implement a comprehensive State Planning Policy for renewable energy
projects and ensure regional communities are consulted, considered, and will benefit from the wave of
renewable developments proposed across Western Australia.
Leader Shane Love MLA said the policy would establish a clear, consistent framework for large-scale
renewable energy projects, addressing significant gaps in the current planning system.
“WA’s existing planning policies fall short when it comes to renewable energy projects, creating a two-tiered
system which lacks clarity and consistency,” Mr Love said.
“While we have high standards for other land developments, there is no State Planning Policy to guide the
responsible development of renewable energy infrastructure.
“This is unfair to proponents and neglects the concerns of local communities.”
Mr Love said The Nationals WA supported renewable energy, but more work was required to ensure projects
were developed in a way that respects and benefits regional communities.
“The Cook Labor Government has had eight years to address these issues but has failed to deliver a fit-forpurpose planning framework. The Nationals WA will step in where Labor has failed.
“While we support renewable energy, these projects must be delivered responsibly, with clear and consistent
rules which respect the needs of the regions hosting them.”
The Nationals WA will also empower local governments by mandating community impact assessments,
ensuring local governments have a formal role in assessing projects before they proceed to the State
Development Assessment Unit.
“These assessments will require the proponent to make clear any positive and negative social impacts of the
project, to consider community wellbeing, and to optimise both economic and environmental outcomes.
“Comprehensive consultation will also be required, and proponents must demonstrate how they will address
concerns raised by the community, businesses and individuals.”
The Nationals WA will also mandate community benefit funds, ensuring host communities receive a tangible
return from renewable developments.
“Proponents will be required to collaborate with local governments to establish a community benefit fund, with a baseline contribution starting at 1.5 per cent of the project’s value or tied to energy production,” Mr Love said.
“These funds will be managed by local governments to support regional initiatives, ensuring the towns and
cities hosting wind farms, solar farms, and other renewables see direct and meaningful benefits.”
The Nationals WA will also require renewable energy projects to prepare a decommissioning plan as part of
their application and make annual contributions to a State managed decommissioning fund.
“This ensures the responsibility for decommissioning lies with the projects’ proponents – not local communities
or individual landowners – when the infrastructure reaches the end of its lifespan,” Mr Love said.
Mr Love said The Nationals WA are committed to addressing the concerns raised by regional communities and
key stakeholders, including the WA Local Government Association.
“The Nationals in Government will lead the way in ensuring renewable energy projects in WA are developed
responsibly, with clear and consistent planning policies, mandatory community consultation, and tangible
benefits for local communities,” Mr Love said.
“There’s no question that renewable energy is part of WA’s energy future, but these projects must be
implemented in a way that is well planned, well managed, and delivers positive outcomes for our communities,
our economy, and our environment.”
