Western Australia’s energy industry is transforming to achieve the goal of net zero emissions by 2050. WALGA has heard from many of our Member Councils that navigating the renewable energy transition, and the impact on local communities, is a growing concern.
WALGA acknowledges the diverse range of views on the renewable energy transition and the urgent need to support Local Governments in navigating discussions with proponents.
In response to this, WALGA developed three advocacy positions on the energy transition, which were approved at the September 2024 State Council meeting.
- Energy Transition Engagement and Community Benefit Framework
- Renewable Energy Facilities
- Priority Agriculture
These form the basis of WALGA’s advocacy to the State Government.
WALGA continues to progress work in supporting Member Councils with the renewable energy transition.
- WALGA Research Paper – This paper explores the energy transition landscape in Australia, with a focus on WA. It includes the results from the Energy Transition Sentiment survey conducted in 2024.
- Planning resource – "Empowering Local Governments - Planning for Renewable Energy" provides an overview of the State and Local planning frameworks and tools available to Local Governments for managing renewable energy facility development. It also outlines the three development assessment pathways for renewable energy proponents. Please note, this document focuses solely on planning frameworks and does not cover community benefits.
Download the Planning Resource
- Large Scale Renewable Energy Forum – The Forum was held on Wednesday, 27 November 2024 and was attended by 70 delegates, with 50 representatives from 38 different Local Governments. It bought together State Government, industry and Local Government to discuss the opportunities and challenges of large scale renewable energy projects, and what support Local Governments need when it comes to engaging with proponents. Speaker presentations included Hay Shire Council (NSW) – Community Participation for Strength and Leadership; Energy Policy WA – WA’s Energy Transition; WA Department of Planning - WA’s Renewable Energy Planning Framework; Clean Energy Council – Clean Energy Status & Outlook.'
- Renewable Energy Ministerial Forum – The Forum was held on Thursday, 12 June 2025, with the Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation; Manufacturing; Skills and TAFE; Pilbara, Hon Amber-Jade Sanderson BA MLA and the Minister for Planning and Lands; Housing and Works; Health Infrastructure, Hon John Carey MLA addressing Local Governments on the State Government’s plans for the renewable energy transition. This was followed by a roundtable discussion with Minister Sanderson and a workshop session conducted by PoweringWA, focussing on community benefits.
