Published on Friday, 30 January 2026 at 8:58:49 AM
MEDIA RELEASE
Local Communities Must Be at the Table on Renewable Energy Benefits
Local Governments across regional Western Australia have issued a united call for mandatory, locally administered community benefit arrangements for renewable energy projects (wind, solar and battery storage), warning that communities cannot be sidelined in decisions that shape their landscapes, economies and futures.
“There is a simple principle at stake,” said Mr Leigh Ballard, Shire President of Narrogin. “If decisions are being made about our communities without us, then something is wrong. Local Governments are elected by their communities, accountable to their communities, and closest to the impacts of these projects. We must be at the table — not watching from the sidelines.”
The joint statement follows an alliance submission to the State Government back in August 2025, jointly signed and supported by 40 Regional Local Governments, some of whom are faced with 100’s of wind turbines proposed for their district, calling for clarity and certainty to PoweringWA’s Draft Guideline on Community Benefits for Renewable Energy Projects.
Local Governments strongly support the renewable energy transition and the State and Commonwealth targets it underpins. However, they say community benefits must be compulsory, secure and fair, not discretionary or vulnerable to future policy shifts or white board politics.
Cr Karen Harrington, Shire President of West Arthur, said certainty is critical for both communities and industry. “Community benefit contributions should be mandatory and secured over the life of a project. Linking these arrangements to Western Power approvals and ongoing network access provides certainty, reduces risk, and ensures commitments made to communities are commitments kept.”
The alliance submission calls for a clear, enforceable framework that:
- mandates community benefit contributions,
- secures them for the life of the project through binding mechanisms,
- is administered locally by the COMMUNITY or local government, not centrally, and
- aligns benefit allocations to the nameplate capacity located within each host Local Government.
Cr Liz Sudlow, Shire President of Northampton, said benefits must flow to the communities that host the infrastructure. “Where projects span multiple Local Governments, contributions should be allocated according to where the generation or storage actually occurs. Decisions about local futures should not be made by centralised agencies or by bureaucrats sitting in Perth, on our behalf, however ‘strategic’ those decisions may be presented.”
Local Governments emphasise they are not seeking control for its own sake, but responsible local stewardship.
Cr Pauline Bantock, Shire President of Victoria Plains, said Local Governments are best placed to manage these funds transparently and accountably. “Councils already have audited financial systems, restricted cash reserve mechanisms and established community engagement processes. Empowering Local Governments to manage these funds locally strengthens trust, protects social licence and helps the State achieve its renewable energy objectives.”
The signatories stress that local administration of community benefit funds will support the State and Commonwealth to deliver the energy transition faster and more fairly, while ensuring regional communities share in the long-term benefits.
We the undersigned call on Premier Roger Cook and Amber-Jade Sanderson, the Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation to release the long-awaited Guideline and to ensure that it reflects what is just, practical and right for host communities, and recognises Local Government, on behalf of its impacted communities, as a genuine partner in delivering Western Australia’s energy future.
“With the right framework in place,” the statement concludes, “community benefits can become a catalyst for stronger regional communities, ensuring the energy transition delivers for all Western Australians and in particular, for those that are having to host them.”
Joint Submission to the Government
– Ends –
Issued jointly by the following Local Governments:
Shire President Mr Leigh Ballard, Shire of Narrogin
Shire President Cr Karen Harrington, Shire of West Arthur
Shire President Cr Liz Sudlow, Shire of Northampton
Shire President Cr Pauline Bantock, Shire of Victoria Plains
Shire President Cr Tony O’Gorman, Shire of Dandaragan
Shire President Cr Grant Robins, Shire of Kulin
Shire President Cr Hellene McTaggart, Shire of Mingenew
Shire President Cr Ken Seymour, Shire of Moora
Shire President Cr Jarrad Logie, Shire of Williams
Shire President Cr Kent Mouritz, Shire of Kondinin
Shire President Cr Mark Campbell, Shire of Chittering
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