Wind Farm Noise Reform

The Western Australian Government is committed to supporting the responsible rollout of renewable energy infrastructure as part of its transition to a cleaner, reliable and affordable energy system.
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Through the Green Energy Approvals Initiative, the State is improving coordination across agencies and strengthening regulatory processes to enable renewable energy projects while protecting communities and the environment.

Within this broader program of work, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) regulates environmental noise under the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997. These regulations set the standards that apply to noise received at homes and other noise-sensitive premises, including noise from wind farms.

As more wind farm projects are proposed across the State, the Government is reviewing how noise from wind farms is managed to ensure the regulatory framework remains clear, consistent and effective. DWER is working with the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage and other agencies to support this work across planning and environmental regulatory frameworks.

Wind Farm Noise Reform – Frequently Asked Questions

What is DWER’s role in regulating wind farm noise?

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) is responsible for administering Western Australia’s Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997, which set the legal limits for environmental noise received at homes and other noise-sensitive premises. These requirements apply to various  noise-emitting premises, including wind farms.
 
DWER provides advice  and supports other agencies, including local governments, in ensuring that noise from wind farms is managed effectively to protect community amenity.


 

Why is the State Government reviewing wind farm noise regulation?

The State Government is reviewing how wind farm noise is managed to ensure the regulatory framework is clear, consistent and keeps pace with the growth of renewable energy projects in Western Australia. As more wind farms are proposed, it is important that noise assessment and regulation continue to support good planning outcomes and help manage potential land use conflicts between wind farms and  new houses or other noise-sensitive premises.

This work aligns with initiatives being progressed by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH), including the development of a draft Renewable Energy Planning Code and proposed amendments to the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015.
 
The DWER review aims to improve clarity, consistency, and confidence in how wind farm noise is regulated for new houses and other noise-sensitive premises that may arise near wind farms.  This work seeks to ensure a consistent and transparent approach across planning and environmental regulatory frameworks.    


 

What is DWER doing to support the DPLH reforms?

DWER is working closely with the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH) to ensure environmental noise regulation aligns with planning initiatives for wind farms, including a proposed Renewable Energy Planning Code and amendments to the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015. Our focus is on supporting a consistent approach to how wind farm noise is assessed and managed across planning and environmental approvals.
 
As part of this work, DWER will be considering regulatory improvements to provide clarity and certainty for proponents, decision-makers and the community, and to help manage potential land use conflicts as renewable energy projects expand.


 

What are neighbour agreements, and does DWER recognise them?

Neighbour agreements are private arrangements between wind farm operators and nearby landholders not hosting wind turbines or associated infrastructure on their land, but that may be impacted by the project. These agreements may include commercial arrangements between the project operator and neighbour that recognises the possible impacts of the project on the  neighbour.
 
While these agreements can assist with managing expectations, they  have no formal recognition within planning or environmental legislation.          


 

How can the community be involved?

DPLH has commenced community consultation on Renewable Energy Planning Code relating to wind farms, with further information available at Draft Renewable Energy Planning Code

Further updates on DWER work around management of noise from wind farms will be provided here as this work progresses. 

Why is this important?

Wind energy plays a vital role in achieving Western Australia’s renewable energy targets under the PoweringWA policy.
 
DWER’s work ensures that the growth of the renewable energy sector happens in a way that safeguards community amenity and upholds strong environmental standards.


 

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