Energy

The Nationals WA have announced a forward-thinking policy to build energy microgrids in Western
Australia, aiming to address long-standing energy reliability issues and support Australia’s
commitment to reducing emissions.

Leader of The Nationals WA, Shane Love MLA, said frequent power disruptions in regional towns—
caused by their distance from power generation sources and the transmission grid—highlight the
urgent need for targeted solutions

“Reliable energy provision is the cornerstone of any modern economy, powering industries,
businesses, schools, health facilities, and communities.”

“We depend on low-cost, reliable electricity for essential services such as refrigeration, technology,
telecommunications, petrol pumps, manufacturing, and water supply,” Mr Love said.

“By leveraging advancements in technology, microgrids can minimise disruptions, improve reliability,
and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.”

In Government, The Nationals WA will invest $3 million in a pilot microgrid in the town of Mullewa,
delivering desperately needed power reliability.

The Mullewa grid will leverage a combination of renewable energy sources, including solar and battery
storage and will pave the way for establishing additional microgrids in the Local Government Areas
identified by Western Power as most affected by outages.

The Nationals will also secure Kalgoorlie’s long-term energy stability by developing a microgrid in the
Goldfields City.

While temporary private gas fired generators have recently become available due to the nickel
industry downturn, the problem in providing reliable power is far from solved.

The Nationals foresee future growth in Kalgoorlie and plan to bolster power supply with a microgrid to
meet future needs.

The Nationals WA policy will also encourage land developers to submit plans to integrate community
microgrids into all greenfield developments.

“Community microgrids will address the challenges of housing delivery, lower power bills for
residents, reduce the impact of new load on the grid, and contribute to Australia’s net-zero goals.”

“The Nationals WA are committed to delivering sustainable and reliable energy solutions for regional
Western Australia, improving quality of life while building a resilient future for our state,” Mr Love said.

Local Government Areas identified by Western Power as most affected by outages include;

• Shire of Chapman Valley
• Shire of Dalwallinu
• Shire of Dandaragan
• Shire of Irwin
• Shire of Lake Grace
• Shire of Mingenew
• Shire of Morawa
• Shire of Quairading
• Shire of Ravensthorpe
• Shire of Three Springs

The Nationals in Government will implement a comprehensive State Planning Policy for renewable energy
projects and ensure regional communities are consulted, considered, and will benefit from the wave of
renewable developments proposed across Western Australia.

Leader Shane Love MLA said the policy would establish a clear, consistent framework for large-scale
renewable energy projects, addressing significant gaps in the current planning system.

“WA’s existing planning policies fall short when it comes to renewable energy projects, creating a two-tiered
system which lacks clarity and consistency,” Mr Love said.

“While we have high standards for other land developments, there is no State Planning Policy to guide the
responsible development of renewable energy infrastructure.

“This is unfair to proponents and neglects the concerns of local communities.”

Mr Love said The Nationals WA supported renewable energy, but more work was required to ensure projects
were developed in a way that respects and benefits regional communities.

“The Cook Labor Government has had eight years to address these issues but has failed to deliver a fit-forpurpose planning framework. The Nationals WA will step in where Labor has failed.

“While we support renewable energy, these projects must be delivered responsibly, with clear and consistent
rules which respect the needs of the regions hosting them.”

The Nationals WA will also empower local governments by mandating community impact assessments,
ensuring local governments have a formal role in assessing projects before they proceed to the State
Development Assessment Unit.

“These assessments will require the proponent to make clear any positive and negative social impacts of the
project, to consider community wellbeing, and to optimise both economic and environmental outcomes.

“Comprehensive consultation will also be required, and proponents must demonstrate how they will address
concerns raised by the community, businesses and individuals.”

The Nationals WA will also mandate community benefit funds, ensuring host communities receive a tangible
return from renewable developments.

“Proponents will be required to collaborate with local governments to establish a community benefit fund, with a baseline contribution starting at 1.5 per cent of the project’s value or tied to energy production,” Mr Love said.

“These funds will be managed by local governments to support regional initiatives, ensuring the towns and
cities hosting wind farms, solar farms, and other renewables see direct and meaningful benefits.”

The Nationals WA will also require renewable energy projects to prepare a decommissioning plan as part of
their application and make annual contributions to a State managed decommissioning fund.

“This ensures the responsibility for decommissioning lies with the projects’ proponents – not local communities
or individual landowners – when the infrastructure reaches the end of its lifespan,” Mr Love said.

Mr Love said The Nationals WA are committed to addressing the concerns raised by regional communities and
key stakeholders, including the WA Local Government Association.

“The Nationals in Government will lead the way in ensuring renewable energy projects in WA are developed
responsibly, with clear and consistent planning policies, mandatory community consultation, and tangible
benefits for local communities,” Mr Love said.

“There’s no question that renewable energy is part of WA’s energy future, but these projects must be
implemented in a way that is well planned, well managed, and delivers positive outcomes for our communities,
our economy, and our environment.”