Published on Friday, 6 June 2025 at 4:39:22 PM
MEDIA RELEASE
Narrogin BESS Receives DAP Approval: A New Era of Renewable Energy in the Shire of Narrogin
The Shire of Narrogin has welcomed the announcement by the State’s Development Assessment Panel (or DAP) on 21 May 2025 to approve the first of six proposed renewable energy industries in the Shire, the Narrogin BESS (Battery Energy Storage System), a $400 million development located 2km south of the townsite on Narrogin Valley Road.
Shire President Leigh Ballard congratulated the proponents on this significant milestone, acknowledging the transformative potential of the project for the local community.
“We’re excited to see this landmark project get the green light, marking a new era for the Shire of Narrogin,” said President Ballard. “The Narrogin BESS represents a huge capital investment that promises to diversify our industry base and create employment, civil and trade opportunities.”
However, President Ballard also expressed serious concern about the broader impacts on local infrastructure and community resources.
“Whilst we wholeheartedly welcome the economic development that comes with a $400 million investment so close to the Narrogin townsite, we’re equally extremely worried about the impact on firefighting, housing and labour supply, and the pressures on scarce resources like gravel and water,” he said.
“Moreover, it’s bitterly disappointing that there’s currently no mechanism at the State level to ensure renewable industry developers provide fair and equitable community benefits, in line with our Council’s adopted Community Enhancement Fund (CEF) Policy.”
President Ballard was adamant in stating “Our message is clear: the people of Narrogin welcome participation in the energy transition but demand to be included as equal partners, not passive hosts to infrastructure that primarily serves distant populations”.
The Shire of Narrogin has long advocated for a formal requirement for proponents to contribute to the local community, similar to models adopted by governments in other Australian jurisdictions.
“We again call on the State Government to introduce a mechanism that requires a code of practice or community benefit commitments, such as those that exist in other states, so that our community can share in the prosperity of these projects. We stand ready to collaborate constructively, but we insist on a transition that is fair, just, and delivers legacy outcomes including housing for our communities”. President Ballard implored.
The Narrogin BESS is part of the broader Narrogin Renewable Energy Zone (NREZ) initiative with a combined investment value of over $17b.
The Shire’s NREZ webpage provides further background on the region’s renewable energy opportunities: www.narrogin.wa.gov.au/live/environment/renewable-energy-in-the-shire-of-narrogin.aspx.
– Ends –
Further information on this media release may be obtained by contacting the undersigned by email enquiries@narrogin.wa.gov.au or telephone 08 9890 0900.
Approved by:
Dale Stewart
Chief Executive Officer
Shire of Narrogin
PO Box 1145
Narrogin WA 6312
Email: enquiries@narrogin.wa.gov.au
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