Published on Friday, 28 March 2025 at 5:24:55 PM
MEDIA RELEASE
Narrogin Calls for State Support to Deliver Lasting Legacy from Renewable Energy Boom
The Shire of Narrogin has made a formal and impassioned call to the State Government to step in and support the region as it becomes a key host community in Western Australia’s renewable energy transformation.
With a growing number of large-scale renewable energy proposals now surrounding the town and wider Wheatbelt region, the Shire says the time for coordinated intervention is now.
At its Council meeting last night, the Shire reaffirmed its advocacy call on the State Government (Shire of Narrogin’s Renewable Energy Framework Submission) and also formally adopted two key policies aimed at ensuring the energy boom leaves a lasting, meaningful legacy for the community:
Shire President, Mr Leigh Ballard, said these policies mark an important shift from reactive planning to proactive leadership:
“Our community supports renewable energy and the opportunity it brings, but we must not be left behind in the process. We are calling on the State Government to work with the Shire proactively to deliver practical, lasting benefits, particularly in housing, infrastructure, and community enhancement. This is our chance to show how a just transition can and should be done in regional WA with a true bipartisan and world’s best practice approach.”
The Shire is seeking urgent support from the Ministers for State Development, Regional Development, Wheatbelt, Planning and Lands, Housing and Works, Energy and Decarbonisation, and the Environment, to address three immediate priorities:
- Transitional and legacy housing solutions to accommodate workforce needs and leave long-term benefit;
- Infrastructure and community investment to support sustainable regional growth and livability; and
- State Planning and Development WA intervention and alignment to streamline approvals and ensure regional voices are heard and respected.
Shire Chief Executive Officer, Mr Dale Stewart, said the level of private investment proposed in the region must be matched by public leadership and a commitment to local partnership.
“Renewable energy must not pass through Narrogin; it must grow with it. This is a defining opportunity for the State Labor Government to demonstrate its commitment to equity, legacy solutions, and regional partnership,” said Mr Stewart.
The Shire will now formally request meetings with key Ministers and senior government officials, preferably to be held in Narrogin, so they can see first-hand both the opportunity and the urgency at hand.
“These policies represent a clear, unified local voice,” Mr Ballard added. “We are ready to work with the State to deliver a model of success, not just for Narrogin, but for all regional host communities navigating this energy transformation, to deliver on the State’s energy transition targets and decarbonisation goals.”
– Ends –
Further information on this media release may be obtained by contacting Lily Webb, Executive Support Coordinator, enquiries@narrogin.wa.gov.au or telephone 08 9890 0900.
Approved by:
Dale Stewart
Chief Executive Officer
Shire of Narrogin
PO Box 1145
Narrogin WA 6312
Email: enquiries@narrogin.wa.gov.au
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