Published on:
Thursday, 12 June 2025
Key Points:
WALGA welcomes release of the State Government’s Draft Guideline on Community Benefits for Renewable Energy Projects and has reaffirmed its position that Local Governments must be actively involved in decision making and approval processes regarding major renewable energy projects.
As part of WALGA’s continued advocacy regarding the requirement for guidelines on Renewable Energy implementation, a Renewable Energy Ministerial Forum was held today as the State Government and Local Government work together to navigate the challenges of renewable energy transition now and into the future.
State Government Ministers, Hon Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA, and Hon John Carey MLA, addressed Local Governments on their plans for the renewable energy transition and the State Government’s priorities.
As Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation, Minister Sanderson announced the release of the Draft Guideline on Community Benefits for Renewable Energy Projects.
WALGA is seeking clarity and assurance from the State Government, that it will introduce a mechanism requiring the guidelines to be adhered to by all proponents to ensure community benefits are delivered.
The Minister also engaged in a roundtable discussion with Local Governments, alongside a workshop session conducted by PoweringWA, focussing on community benefits.
WALGA President Karen Chappel AM JP said WA was currently experiencing a once-in-a-generation reshaping of the energy sector and Local Government involvement was imperative to ensure that local voices are heard as part of this transition.
“These draft Guidelines formed a critical component of our discussions at today’s Renewable Energy Ministerial Forum and are an important first step as we look forward to working constructively with the State Government,” President Chappel said.
“Statewide Policies or frameworks on Renewables should ensure an orderly transition that allows for Local Governments and local communities, those likely to be impacted the most by the construction and operation of large-scale renewable energy projects, to benefit from these changes.
“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 and ensure any proponent’s social licence to operate is managed and maintained."
WALGA’s State Election Priorities called for a consistent set of guidelines and a Statewide strategy to assist Local Government and industry proponents entering negotiations, highlighting the importance of planning, community benefit and input from the outset.
The State Government’s draft Community Benefits Guideline can be accessed via the Energy Policy WA website. Public consultation opens from Thursday, 12 June and runs to 4 August 2025.
- WALGA welcomes release of State Government Draft Guideline on Community Benefits for Renewable Energy Projects and will prepare a submission on behalf of the sector
- WALGA hosts Renewable Energy Ministerial Forum with State Government Ministers the Hon Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA, Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation; Manufacturing; Skills and TAFE; Pilbara and the Hon John Carey MLA, Minister for Planning and Lands; Housing and Works; Health Infrastructure
WALGA welcomes release of the State Government’s Draft Guideline on Community Benefits for Renewable Energy Projects and has reaffirmed its position that Local Governments must be actively involved in decision making and approval processes regarding major renewable energy projects.
As part of WALGA’s continued advocacy regarding the requirement for guidelines on Renewable Energy implementation, a Renewable Energy Ministerial Forum was held today as the State Government and Local Government work together to navigate the challenges of renewable energy transition now and into the future.
State Government Ministers, Hon Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA, and Hon John Carey MLA, addressed Local Governments on their plans for the renewable energy transition and the State Government’s priorities.
As Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation, Minister Sanderson announced the release of the Draft Guideline on Community Benefits for Renewable Energy Projects.
WALGA is seeking clarity and assurance from the State Government, that it will introduce a mechanism requiring the guidelines to be adhered to by all proponents to ensure community benefits are delivered.
The Minister also engaged in a roundtable discussion with Local Governments, alongside a workshop session conducted by PoweringWA, focussing on community benefits.
WALGA President Karen Chappel AM JP said WA was currently experiencing a once-in-a-generation reshaping of the energy sector and Local Government involvement was imperative to ensure that local voices are heard as part of this transition.
“These draft Guidelines formed a critical component of our discussions at today’s Renewable Energy Ministerial Forum and are an important first step as we look forward to working constructively with the State Government,” President Chappel said.
“Statewide Policies or frameworks on Renewables should ensure an orderly transition that allows for Local Governments and local communities, those likely to be impacted the most by the construction and operation of large-scale renewable energy projects, to benefit from these changes.
“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 and ensure any proponent’s social licence to operate is managed and maintained."
WALGA’s State Election Priorities called for a consistent set of guidelines and a Statewide strategy to assist Local Government and industry proponents entering negotiations, highlighting the importance of planning, community benefit and input from the outset.
The State Government’s draft Community Benefits Guideline can be accessed via the Energy Policy WA website. Public consultation opens from Thursday, 12 June and runs to 4 August 2025.
