Published on Friday, 13 June 2025 at 2:25:58 PM
MEDIA RELEASE
Second Renewable Project Approved in Narrogin Amid Launch of Draft State Guidelines on Community Benefits
The Shire of Narrogin is pleased to announce that the State’s Development Assessment Panel (DAP) has approved the Narrogin Solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project, a $400 million development comprising a 200 MW solar farm and 200 MW battery at the intersection of Wanerie Road and Great Southern Highway, some 3km south of the Narrogin townsite. This site is directly adjacent to the already-approved Narrogin BESS (approved 21 May) and borders the proposed Narrogin Biodiesel Plant being lodged with the State in coming months.
This latest approval marks the second of six major renewable energy projects currently under consideration within the Shire’s boundaries, five of which are entirely within its jurisdiction. These projects form part of the emerging Narrogin Renewable Energy Zone (NREZ) and are embedded within a regional investment pipeline exceeding $17.9 billion within a 45-minute radius of Narrogin.
Shire President Leigh Ballard welcomed the decision, stating:
“This second approval strengthens Narrogin’s role as a renewable energy hub. It brings us another step closer to our vision of regional economic transformation, Narrogin Love the Life-Power the Future - but that transformation must come with legacy housing solutions and shared benefits.”
Crucially, the approval comes in the same week as the release of the State Government’s Draft Guidelines on Community Benefits from Renewable Energy Projects, unveiled by the Minister for Energy. The Shire President, Deputy Shire President and Chief Executive Officer attended the official launch in Perth on 12 June also.
“We’ve long called for a formal mechanism to ensure our community shares in the prosperity generated by projects hosted here,” said President Ballard. “While it's disappointing that this latest DAP approval did not embed a Community Enhancement Fund (CEF) as we had recommended, we take heart from the draft guidelines, many of the principles reflect what we’ve been long and hard advocating for.”
The Shire’s Local Planning Policy on Community Enhancement / Benefit Contributions aligns closely with the draft guidelines. Early analysis indicates:
- Solar farms may attract voluntary contributions between $150 and $800 per MW annually, just under the Shire’s benchmark of $850/MW.
- Wind projects, if realised, could yield $500 to $1,500 per MW annually, aligned with the Shire’s $1,050 target.
- BESS projects remain outside the current draft scope but could be captured via submissions from local governments and the Shire and or rating policies or complementary instruments.
If adopted in practice, these models could unlock up to $1 million per year, indexed to CPI and for a period of up to 30 years, in community-controlled funding for the Shire, supporting infrastructure upgrades, community, health well-being and social services, environmental initiatives, and place-based improvements.
“This is a pivotal moment,” President Ballard said. “We have momentum, investment interest, and now, at long last, a draft framework to help ensure local people benefit from the infrastructure placed in their backyard. But a draft is not a guarantee. We congratulate Minister Sanderson on this first step but urge the State to legislate this and move beyond goodwill alone.”
The Shire will prepare a formal submission in response to the draft and continue lobbying for clear, enforceable obligations. The aim is to turn Narrogin’s renewable energy zone from a development corridor into a model for just, inclusive, fair, and place-based energy transition.
Further information on the Shire’s renewable energy efforts and policies, visit the Narrogin Renewable Energy Zone webpage: www.narrogin.wa.gov.au/live/environment/renewable-energy-in-the-shire-of-narrogin.aspx
– Ends –
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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