Environment

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.”

The Nationals WA will double the annual funding available to deliver grassroots-led natural resource management (NRM) initiatives in regional and metropolitan areas.

Leader Shane Love MLA made the $60 million commitment at the 2024 WA Landcare Network Annual Gathering today, which will supercharge the Community Stewardship NRM program from $7.5 million to $15 million each year.

“This injection of funds will see more community groups, local governments, Aboriginal organisations, biosecurity groups, and not-for-profits empowered to lead on-ground environmental projects in their communities and regions,” Mr Love said.

“We’ve always backed WA’s local environmental champions. In 2009, The Nationals in Government implemented funding for community-driven NRM initiatives through the successful State NRM Program, which supported over 850 locally led environmental projects.

“Now known as the Community Stewardship NRM program, this initiative is continuing to deliver key funding every year to land and water-based environmental initiatives that enhance and maintain WA’s pristine and unique natural environment,” Mr Love said.

Successful projects recently funded by the Community Stewardship NRM program include:

• Bushland rehabilitation across Perth: From habitat restoration to protecting endangered species like the Carnaby’s Cockatoo, local groups are revitalising critical bushlands in Perth’s backyard.
• Fire management in the Kimberley and Pilbara: Incorporating Indigenous fire management practices, these projects are building resilience against bushfires in some of WA’s most remote and iconic regions.
• Citizen science whale tracking: Volunteers along the south coast are contributing to vital research on the southern right whale population, helping gather information about this majestic species.

Mr Love said boosting funding for grassroots and community organisations to continue protecting WA natural environment was vital.

“WA’s natural environment is world-class, and our local volunteers and community groups work tirelessly to protect it,” Mr Love said.

“But they can’t do it alone, especially as climate change and rising costs put added pressure on their work. This funding boost gives them the support they deserve.”

The Nationals in Government will also raise the maximum threshold for funding from $450,000 to $500,000.

“With rising costs, bigger projects need bigger support. By raising the grant cap, we’re supporting local organisations to deliver big on the environmental projects they care about,” Mr Love said.

The $60 million initiative over four years will be powered by a revitalised Royalties for Regions program, allocating $45 million, alongside $15 million from consolidated revenue.