Published on Monday, 20 January 2025 at 1:19:05 PM
MEDIA RELEASE
Shire of Narrogin Calls for Unified Support for Responsible Renewable Energy Development
The Shire of Narrogin wholeheartedly supports the Nationals WA's pledge to implement a comprehensive State Planning Policy for renewable energy projects. This policy emphasises community consultation, benefit-sharing, and responsible project management—principles that resonate deeply with the Shire’s values and priorities.
Shire CEO Dale Stewart praised the Nationals' announcement, stating, "The Shire of Narrogin stands firmly behind any initiative that ensures renewable energy developments benefit host communities. A clear and equitable planning framework is not just a necessity but a moral obligation to regional areas that drive the state’s sustainability progress."
The Shire of Narrogin urges the WA Liberal Party and State Labor Government to embrace a similar policy commitment. Drawing from the Shire's Three Cornerstones for Collaboration—community, government, and industry—and the Five Foundational Pillars Framework, the Shire emphasises that successful renewable energy projects must:
- Respect and reflect the needs of the community through Comprehensive Engagement Frameworks;
- Leave lasting legacies in the form of sustainable housing solutions and infrastructure investment;
- Establish robust Community Benefit Funds (CBFs) to return tangible value to host regions;
- Uphold environmental and social standards through consistent Statewide Guidelines; and
- Ensure fair financial contributions via Payment in Lieu of Rates (PILoR).
"The Shire of Narrogin’s renewable energy framework highlights the vital balance between achieving state energy targets and safeguarding the integrity of our regional landscapes and livelihoods," Mr. Stewart added. "Renewable energy is the future, but its implementation must deliver real, lasting benefits for local economies, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability."
The Shire also supports the WA Local Government Association (WALGA) in its advocacy for responsible renewable energy planning and reiterates the importance of reviewing and updating the 2020 State Planning Position Statement on Renewable Energy Facilities to align with best practices nationally and internationally.
A copy of the Shire of Narrogin’s Renewable Energy Framework Submission has been provided to all major political parties as a blueprint for ensuring renewable energy developments meet the highest standards of equity, consistency, and sustainability.
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Further information on this media release may be obtained by contacting Lily Webb, Executive Support Coordinator, esc@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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