Shires of Narrogin and West Arthur to participate in pilot community benefits guideline for renewable projects

As renewable project developments surge, four local governments in the Wheatbelt have been chosen to trial the State Government’s newest community benefit plan after years of demand. The shires of Narrogin, West Arthur, Dandaragan and Victoria Plains were selected as pilot participants of the Community Benefits Guideline for Large-scale Renewable Energy Projects — a document outlining mandatory benefits project developers must contribute to its host communities. The four shires are among the 40 shires part of the Country Local Government’s Renewable Alliance, which has remained a strong voice in the community benefit conversation surrounding the renewable energy transition. The pilot program aims to demonstrate an effective benefit model and generate insights and practical templates like structures, engagement protocols, governance charters and reporting tools. It also aims to provide targeted support and strengthen partnerships between communities, industry and government. The document states the plans will align with locally identified priorities, and deliver measurable and positive social, cultural and economic outcomes. The Shire of Narrogin is expected to host 11 renewable energy projects worth $18.05 billion, with the suite of major proposals involving wind, solar, battery storage and renewable fuels. West Arthur is earmarked to house four wind farm projects, including the Bellwether wind farm which is forecast to be the largest in the nation, with its 400 turbines to cover 100,000ha of farmland. With a mass influx of temporary population, infrastructure and construction, Shire of West Arthur president Karen Harrington said the impacts of the projects on the small communities were real. “The opportunities and impacts are real, and it is important to recognise local government and communities as equal partners in this journey,” she said. “The use of the fund could ensure future viability of small rural communities through investment in housing, water security, medical services and other economic development areas.” Cr Harrington said after years of host communities advocating for themselves, the benefit pilot plan is a welcome one and the guideline has provided a solid basis to work from. “While some points in the submission align, there is still an opportunity to develop the community benefit framework and we hope to work closely with PoweringWA and the Wheatbelt Development Commission to achieve the best possible outcome for all stakeholders,” she said. “Four Wheatbelt shires being involved in the pilot program will provide the alliance with further input into the framework. “Our community is eager to ensure these developments deliver genuine, long-term benefits for local people and the broader region. “We hope to be able to contribute to the discussions and provide our community’s experiences and expectations regarding renewable energy community benefits funds being delivered to the host communities and the broader region.” Shire of Narrogin president Leigh Ballard said the guideline was an important milestone in recognising the role regional communities play in supporting WA’s energy transition. “The State Government’s guideline provides welcome clarity and establishes benchmark contribution rates that recognise the importance of ensuring host communities share in the benefits of renewable energy development,” he said. “We thank (Energy and Decarbonisation) Minister (Amber-Jade) Sanderson and PoweringWA for listening to regional communities and working collaboratively with local governments to establish this framework. “It reflects the strong advocacy undertaken by Wheatbelt local governments over recent years to ensure regional communities are properly recognised as partners in WA’s energy transition.”