Published on:
Tuesday, 16 December 2025
Key Points:
This represents a significant step toward establishing a consistent planning framework to guide the ongoing development of renewable energy facilities across WA - providing important clarity and guidance to WA Local Governments.
WA is undergoing a major energy transition to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, and this shift brings both opportunities and challenges for Local Governments, communities, and industry.
In July, WALGA released a Renewable Energy Community Benefits and Engagement Guide to assist Local Governments as they navigate large-scale renewable energy projects.
The absence of a robust framework has led to inconsistent application and approvals, and the draft Code aligns with WALGA’s long-standing advocacy calling for changes to the renewable energy State planning framework to ensure orderly and proper planning of renewable energy facilities.
However, WALGA opposes the proposed amendments to mandate renewable energy projects over $20 million as a Significant Development that must be dealt with under Part 11B of the Planning and Development Act 2005. This further erodes the role of Local Government in planning and decision making for projects which could significantly impact local communities.
WALGA President Karen Chappel AM JP said it was critical that State and Local Government, industry and community all work together to navigate the energy transition.
"WALGA has been calling for the development of a stronger state planning framework to ensure consistent development standards and application requirements for the assessment of renewable energy projects, to guide applicants and decision makers," President Chappel said.
“We will continue to engage with the State Government as they work towards fit-for-purpose frameworks and guidance needed to support the Local Government sector.
"WALGA will prepare a submission to the State on behalf of the sector to ensure the draft Code delivers positive outcomes for Member Local Governments, communities and industry."
- WALGA welcomes the release of the draft Renewable Energy Planning Code and Guidelines by the State Government.
- The Code is a significant step towards establishing a comprehensive framework to guide WA’s renewable energy transition.
- WA is currently experiencing a once-in-a-generation reshaping of the energy sector.
- WALGA will work with Member Local Governments to provide feedback on the Code.
This represents a significant step toward establishing a consistent planning framework to guide the ongoing development of renewable energy facilities across WA - providing important clarity and guidance to WA Local Governments.
WA is undergoing a major energy transition to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, and this shift brings both opportunities and challenges for Local Governments, communities, and industry.
In July, WALGA released a Renewable Energy Community Benefits and Engagement Guide to assist Local Governments as they navigate large-scale renewable energy projects.
The absence of a robust framework has led to inconsistent application and approvals, and the draft Code aligns with WALGA’s long-standing advocacy calling for changes to the renewable energy State planning framework to ensure orderly and proper planning of renewable energy facilities.
However, WALGA opposes the proposed amendments to mandate renewable energy projects over $20 million as a Significant Development that must be dealt with under Part 11B of the Planning and Development Act 2005. This further erodes the role of Local Government in planning and decision making for projects which could significantly impact local communities.
WALGA President Karen Chappel AM JP said it was critical that State and Local Government, industry and community all work together to navigate the energy transition.
"WALGA has been calling for the development of a stronger state planning framework to ensure consistent development standards and application requirements for the assessment of renewable energy projects, to guide applicants and decision makers," President Chappel said.
“We will continue to engage with the State Government as they work towards fit-for-purpose frameworks and guidance needed to support the Local Government sector.
"WALGA will prepare a submission to the State on behalf of the sector to ensure the draft Code delivers positive outcomes for Member Local Governments, communities and industry."
