Renewable energy guidelines to benefit communities
The Yued Aboriginal Corporation has welcomed the release of the renewable energy Community Benefits Guideline from the WA State government.
Regional communities will share in the benefits of Western Australia’s energy transition, there govern ment has said.
“Regional communities are at the heart of our energy transition, and they must be able to benefit from new energy infrastructure in a meaningful and lasting way,” Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson.
“This Guideline helps establish the basis for negotiations between developers and Yued regarding participation in the clean economy including through equity ownership in projects, among other approaches,” Yued chief executive Rewi Lyall said.
“It makes clear that developers should engage with Yued in a robust manner directed at reaching mutual agreement.
“Community Benefits Plans are just part of the bigger picture, and we have every indication from developers that they are interested in exceeding the minimum standards contained in this Guideline.”
Key points
- Western Australia-first community benefits guideline for clean energy projects released
- Guideline delivers certainty for communities and industry
- Community benefits plans to demonstrate benefit of guidelines to local communities
The guideline for large-scale renewable energy projects was informed by extensive public consultation and direct engagement by PoweringWA with key stakeholders.
It sets clear expectations for developers to deliver meaningful, place-based benefits to communities hosting renewable energy projects and includes a tiered approach to benefits which will balance community and industry interests.
Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson.
It will also outline how developers should work with local governments, Native Title holders, and other community representatives to develop and deliver benefits through community benefits plans which reflect local priorities.
The Guideline also establishes a floor for rates at which developers should set payments into Community Benefits Plans, leaving it to communities to negotiate rates with developers on a project-by-project basis.
For Aboriginal Western Australians, the Guideline incorporates the Clean Energy Council’s ‘Leading Practice Principles: First Nations and Renewable Energy Projects’ and AIATSIS’ ‘Engaging with Traditional Owners’ guidance.
To support the guideline’s implementation, PoweringWA will implement a community benefits plan pilot program in regions with advanced renewable energy projects.
These pilots will help communities to have a say in these plans, so they are fit for purpose.
