Narrogin Council’s Renewable Energy Plan

Western Australia Council Calls for Better Management of Renewable Energy Development

A council in Western Australia is urging the state government to take a more proactive approach in managing renewable energy projects. In the absence of a state plan, the Narrogin Shire Council has proposed its own set of guidelines to facilitate collaboration between communities, governments, and developers.

Shire president Leigh Ballard emphasised the importance of working together to achieve success in the energy transition, not only for Narrogin but for all regional communities. The council is supportive of renewable energy but is concerned about being left behind in the process. They are advocating for statewide standards on issues like wind turbine setbacks, visual and environmental impacts, and decommissioning protocols.

Community Engagement and Benefits

Narrogin is calling for a state-mandated approach to community engagement and the transformation of temporary worker accommodation into permanent housing solutions. The council is also proposing a community benefits fund, inspired by New South Wales guidelines, where developers would contribute either a fixed rate or a percentage of the project value to support local initiatives. They are suggesting a payment-in-lieu-of-rates system, similar to Victoria’s model, to provide additional revenue for councils from wind farm projects.

Challenges Faced by Narrogin

Narrogin has faced challenges with the increasing number of renewable energy projects in the region. Despite having draft policies in place, some projects have not aligned with the council’s guidelines, causing tensions between developers and local authorities. The council recently adopted new policies focusing on community benefits and housing arrangements to ensure that local interests are prioritised.

One of the key aspects of the new policies is the requirement for community benefits to be agreed upon before project approval. The council has set minimum contribution levels based on the NSW government’s recommendations, with a commitment to managing these funds transparently. Additionally, Narrogin is pushing for transitional housing for project workers to be developed in a way that allows for future use as permanent housing, promoting integration with existing communities.

As the council continues to engage with developers and stakeholders, their aim is to establish a framework that not only supports renewable energy growth but also enhances the well-being of local residents. By advocating for clear guidelines and community-focused initiatives, Narrogin is striving to create a sustainable and inclusive approach to renewable energy development.