The key intent of the position statement is to facilitate growth of the evolving renewable energy industry in Western Australia through implementation of policy measures via planning instruments administered by local government.
Once finalised, the Renewable Energy Planning Code will replace the WAPC’s Position Statement – Renewable energy facilities as the relevant planning policy framework for wind farm development applications.
Further information on the Renewable Energy Planning Code can be found here: https://www.planning.wa.gov.au/draft-renewable-energy-planning-code
Can the South Australian EPA Wind Farms Environmental Noise Guidelines be used for wind farm noise impact assessments in Western Australia?
In accordance with both the WAPC’s Position Statement – Renewable energy facilities (March 2020) and the draft Renewable Energy Planning Code (December 2025), noise impact assessments for wind farm developments must demonstrate that compliance with the Western Australian Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 (WA Noise Regulations) can be met over the life of the project.
While the WAPC Position Statement references the South Australian Environment Protection Authority’s Wind Farms Environmental Noise Guidelines (2009), these can only be used to the extent that they do not conflict with the requirements of the WA Noise Regulations.
For further information on individual noise impact assessments, please contact the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation at noisereform@dwer.wa.gov.au.
Print this page
