Questions remain about new State Government guideline for clean energy projects in regions, WA Liberals say

The shadow energy minister says questions remain about a newly released State Government guideline on clean energy projects for regional communities. On Wednesday, the State Government announced a WA-first community benefits guideline for large-scale projects across regional communities would deliver meaningful, place-based benefits. The idea is it would set clear expectations for developers, including a tiered approach to benefits which would balance community and industry interests. Yet WA Liberal MLC Steve Thomas said the guideline raised more questions than answers. “The Government has simply turned the draft guidelines for community benefits for renewables projects into a final document but questions remain,” he said. “The draft recommendation of community payments of $500 to $1500 per megawatt for wind projects has become a final recommendation of $750 to $1500 per megawatt. “The question is whether the Government can enforce its ‘recommended’ community payment.” Dr Thomas said page 5 of the document said: “Compliance will be encouraged through existing mechanisms such as eligibility for the Commonwealth Government’s Capacity Investment Scheme. The State Government may consider mandating the standards outlined in this guideline in the future if required.” He said the statements looked like an “admission of impotence followed by a vague future threat of action” and supported his view that there was an ongoing failure of the Government to plan and map out a valid renewable future, as highlighted by the long overdue whole of system plan. “Without a Government plan showing where renewables need to be developed, local communities across the State are being blindsided by multiple wind farm proposals,” he said. “Most of these proposals will never be developed, because without the State Government agreeing to purchase the electricity, they propose to generate, they cannot make their business cases work.” The State Government said the guideline was informed by extensive public consultation and direct engagement by PoweringWA with key stakeholders. PoweringWA will support the guideline’s implementation through a community benefits pilot program, which will allow communities to have their say to ensure plans are “fit for purpose”. The pilot will also inform future guidance and case studies about effective community benefits arrangements in WA. Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said regional communities were at the heart of the energy transition and they must be able to benefit from new energy infrastructure in a meaningful and lasting way. “This guideline ensures that, as WA builds the infrastructure we need to deliver our sustainable energy future, we are also supporting the communities that host new renewable energy projects,” she said.