How electricity is changing in WA

In Western Australia:

• wind and solar are increasingly used to generate electricity

• large batteries help store energy and support reliability

• new and upgraded transmission lines are required to move electricity from where it is generated to where it is needed

Wind energy, in particular, plays an important role because it can generate electricity day and night when conditions allow, complementing solar generation which only occurs during daylight hours.

Because wind and solar generation varies depending on weather conditions, they must be supported by other technologies and careful system planning to ensure power remains reliable and secure.

Why regional areas are involved

Large‑scale renewable energy projects require:

• access to strong and consistent wind or sunlight
• large areas of land
• connection to the electricity network

These conditions are more commonly found in regional areas, which is why many proposed wind, solar and battery projects are located outside metropolitan centres.

Regional Western Australia has been identified as an important part of the State’s future electricity system, particularly as electricity demand is expected to grow over coming decades.

What this does not mean

The energy transition does not mean:

• every area will host energy infrastructure
• all proposed projects will be approved
• decisions are made by local government alone

Each proposal is assessed through formal planning, environmental and regulatory processes, primarily at a State level, and many projects do not proceed beyond early investigation stages.

Why Victoria Plains may attract proposals

Large‑scale renewable energy projects tend to be proposed in areas that have:

• strong and consistent natural resources (such as wind)
• large areas of land suitable for development
• access to, or potential connection with, electricity transmission infrastructure

These factors mean some parts of regional WA are more likely to be investigated by proponents than metropolitan areas.

Being identified as suitable for investigation does not mean a project will proceed.

What types of developments may be proposed

Across regional Western Australia, energy proposals may include:

• wind farms
• solar farms
• large‑scale batteries
• transmission infrastructure to connect projects to the grid

Proposals typically progress through multiple stages, including early feasibility studies, environmental and technical assessments, and formal planning and approvals processes. Many proposals do not advance beyond early investigation stages.

What the Shire does, and does not, control

It is important to understand the limits of local government decision‑making.

The Shire of Victoria Plains:

• does not approve large‑scale renewable energy projects
• does not decide whether projects proceed
• does not negotiate commercial arrangements on behalf of landowners

These decisions are primarily made by State Government agencies under State legislation.

The Shire’s role is to:

• provide local knowledge into planning and consultation processes
• represent community interests and concerns
• engage with proponents and State agencies
• advocate for fair, appropriate outcomes for the local area

What this means for the community

The presence of proposed energy developments can raise questions and concerns about:

• land use and amenity
• visual and landscape impacts
• noise, safety and environmental considerations
• long‑term outcomes for the community

It can also prompt discussion about potential benefits, including infrastructure improvements and local economic activity.

This page does not assume a single viewpoint. Instead, it aims to ensure community members have access to clear information so they can understand proposals, participate in consultation processes, and make informed submissions if they choose.

Being approached by a developer

Early contact from a proponent may involve:

• requests for access to land
• preliminary studies (such as wind monitoring)
• discussions about potential hosting arrangements

Landowners are under no obligation to agree to access or negotiations.

Agreements and negotiations

Hosting agreements can be complex and long‑term.

Landowners are strongly encouraged to:

• seek independent legal advice
• seek independent financial and valuation advice
• fully understand decommissioning and rehabilitation obligations

The Shire does not provide advice on contracts or commercial terms.

End‑of‑life and decommissioning

All large‑scale energy infrastructure has a defined operational life.

It is important for landowners to understand:

• who is responsible for decommissioning
• how land is rehabilitated
• what protections exist if ownership of a project changes

Links to independent, third‑party resources are provided below.

How wind energy works

Wind turbines convert the movement of wind into electricity, which is then transmitted through the electricity network to where it is needed. Wind generation varies depending on weather conditions and is supported by other technologies to maintain reliability.

Learn more

• WA Government: Wind energy generation

Noise, health and safety

Noise and health impacts are frequently raised concerns.

In Australia, wind farms are required to comply with:

• strict noise standards
• setback and safety requirements
• environmental and planning conditions

Independent national and international health reviews have found no consistent evidence of direct adverse health effects from compliant wind farms.

Independent information

• Clean Energy Council: Wind turbines and health – fact sheet
• WA Government: Wind farms in WA – frequently asked questions

Bushfire and emergency management

Bushfire risk is considered during planning and assessment processes.

Requirements may include:

• emergency management planning
• access for emergency services
• operational procedures during fire events

Local fire and emergency services are typically consulted as part of these processes.

Visual and landscape impacts

Visual impacts can vary depending on location, terrain and individual perspective.

Planning and environmental assessments typically include:

• visual modelling
• landscape impact assessments
• consideration of nearby residences and viewpoints

These materials are made available during formal consultation periods.

What community benefits are

Community benefits may include:

• financial contributions
• funding for local projects or services
• local employment and business opportunities

These arrangements vary between projects and are usually negotiated between proponents, communities and governments.

What community benefits are not

Community benefits are not automatic, not uniform, and not set by local government alone.

They do not replace formal planning or environmental requirements.

The Shire advocates for outcomes that reflect local priorities and long‑term community value.

How the Shire is advocating for fair and lasting community impacts

The Shire of Victoria Plains is actively advocating to ensure that communities hosting renewable energy infrastructure share in the benefits of the energy transition.

This advocacy recognises that regional communities are not only hosting major infrastructure, but are central to Western Australia’s future energy system.

Community benefits framework

The Shire has welcomed the Western Australian Government’s Community Benefits Guideline for Clean Energy Projects, which establishes a clearer and more consistent approach to how benefits are delivered to host communities.

The guideline sets out:

• standard contribution levels linked to the size of renewable energy projects
• expectations for transparency and accountability
• a focus on long‑term social and economic outcomes

For the Shire of Victoria Plains, this provides greater certainty that, if large‑scale renewable energy projects proceed, there is a clear mechanism for community benefits to be delivered.

Pilot program participation

The Shire of Victoria Plains has been selected as one of four local governments to participate in a 12‑month pilot program to help shape how Community Benefits Plans operate in practice.

The pilot involves collaboration with:

• Shire of Dandaragan
• Shire of West Arthur
• Shire of Narrogin

Together, the participating shires are working to develop a regional governance model that can support different communities while recognising local priorities.

Regional coordination and governance

A key focus of the pilot program is establishing strong governance arrangements for community benefit funding.

This includes:

• bringing together community members, developers, local governments and Traditional Owners
• identifying local priorities for investment
• ensuring funding decisions are informed by regional context

The proposed governance model will be supported through the Wheatbelt Development Commission, providing coordination and consistency across participating local governments.

Ongoing advocacy

The Shire has been advocating for a clear and fair community benefits framework for several years, working alongside:

• the State Government
• WALGA
• regional partners

This advocacy has focused on:

• early and meaningful community engagement
• local input into decision‑making
• benefits that deliver lasting value beyond the construction phase

The Shire will continue to work collaboratively with neighbouring shires, the Wheatbelt Development Commission and the State Government as the pilot program is implemented.

What this means for the community

If renewable energy projects proceed in or near the Shire of Victoria Plains:

• there is now a clearer, more transparent framework for community benefits
• local priorities can help guide how benefits are invested
• governance arrangements aim to ensure benefits are delivered fairly and effectively

This work is ongoing and will continue to evolve as the pilot program progresses.

How close can turbines be to homes?

Separation distances are assessed through planning and environmental approval processes and vary depending on the proposal, location and regulatory requirements.

More information

• WA Government: Wind farms in WA – frequently asked questions

What happens if a project changes ownership?

Renewable energy projects may change ownership over time. Approval conditions and legal agreements typically continue to apply regardless of ownership.

Landowners hosting infrastructure are encouraged to understand how agreements address ownership changes.

Independent guidance

• RE‑Alliance: Refurbishment, repowering or retirement – what happens when renewables reach end of life

How long do projects operate?

Large‑scale renewable energy projects generally operate for several decades.

End‑of‑life options may include:

• refurbishment
• repowering
• decommissioning and rehabilitation

These requirements are considered during planning and contractual negotiations.

What happens at the end of a project’s life?

Decommissioning responsibilities are typically set out in approval conditions and landholder agreements.

Independent information

• RE‑Alliance: End‑of‑life toolkit for landholders and communities

How can concerns be formally raised?

Opportunities to raise concerns usually include:

• public consultation periods
• formal submissions to State agencies
• contacting relevant regulatory authorities

The Shire supports community members by explaining how and when these processes occur.