The energy transition will create new opportunities for regional communities hosting renewable infrastructure - however it will also bring changes to local landscapes. To support communities navigating these changes and realising the benefits of the energy transition, the State Government, through PoweringWA, has released the Community Benefits Guideline for Large-scale Renewable Energy Projects in the South West Interconnected System (the Guideline). The development of the final Guideline was informed by feedback to an extensive public consultation, along with direct engagement by PoweringWA with key stakeholders.
To streamline benefits negotiations and support project delivery, the Guideline recommends firm dollar-per-megawatt figures for new wind, battery and solar projects. These figures balance the commercial priorities of industry with the need for projects to deliver meaningful and lasting benefits to local communities. They are nationally competitive, with a tiered approach ensuring fair and workable contributions from projects of all sizes while maintaining Western Australia’s status as a nationally competitive investment environment.
The Guideline will ensure communities hosting new renewable projects stay at the centre of decision-making, supporting effective, place-based benefits directed by Community Benefit Plans. Plans are developed through collaboration better developers, community groups and member, Traditional Owners and Local Governments to ensure funding decisions are locally led and reflect community priorities.
To support the application of the Guideline, PoweringWA will engage an independent organisation to facilitate a Community Benefits Plans Pilot program. The Pilot will apply the Guideline under real-world conditions, and learnings and material from the Pilot will be shared with communities and Local Governments. The Pilot will focus on two areas of investigation on the SWIS: the Central Coast area including the Shires of Dandaragan and Victoria Plains, and the Southern Wheatbelt area including the Shires of Narrogin and West Arthur. It is anticipated the Pilot will commence in 2026.
To support the release of the Guideline, PoweringWA are hosting an online informational webinar:
Day/Date: Monday 16th March 2026
Time: 3:30PM - 4.30PM (AWST)
Venue: Online (Microsoft Teams)
Register here.
Find out more about the Community Benefits Guideline here.
Print this page
