Labor’s Renewable Benefits Plan Lacks Guarantees for Communities

Media Release | 13 March 2026

Shadow Minister for Local Government Kirrilee Warr MLA says the Cook Labor Government’s Renewable Energy Community Benefits Guideline fails to guarantee real outcomes for local communities hosting major renewable energy projects.

Ms Warr said the guidelines fall short because they do not mandate renewable developers to properly consult with, support, or provide direct benefits to the communities where projects are located.

“With the influx of renewable projects across Western Australia, it is vital that local communities – particularly in the regions – are not left behind,” she said.

“At the moment, there is nothing in these guidelines that guarantees communities will receive tangible benefits from projects in their own backyard.

“These benefits should not be optional – they must be mandated. Renewable energy projects should happen with local governments, not to them.”

Ms Warr said many local governments remain concerned that their communities could see little to no benefit from large-scale renewable developments under the current framework.

Under the State Government’s guidelines, any funding generated would be administered by the relevant Regional Development Commission (RDC).

However, Ms Warr said the process lacked transparency and certainty for local communities.

“Regional Development Commissions cover multiple local governments,

“There is nothing to guarantee that funding will flow back to the specific local government areas hosting these projects,” she said.

“Local governments are closest to their communities and are best placed to work with developers to ensure funding is directed where it is needed most.

“They understand the priorities, governance requirements and infrastructure needs of their local areas.”

Ms Warr also raised concerns about the way the guidelines were released, saying local governments were given little notice and limited opportunity for input.

“Local governments have been asking for a seat at the table for years and have engaged with the State Government in good faith during the development of these guidelines,” she said.

“My office has been advised that councils were only informed just hours before the final guidelines were released.

“When local governments asked how the community benefits funds would actually operate, the detail simply wasn’t there.

“This is yet another example of the Cook Labor Government announcing a headline without a plan and continuing its top-down approach to local government.”

ENDS