The WA government has taken a major step toward shaping Western Australia’s renewable energy future with the release of the draft Renewable Energy Planning Code and supporting Guidelines for public consultation.
The new framework aims to modernise how renewable energy projects are assessed and approved, fostering greater transparency, accountability, and consistency across the state’s planning system.
The draft Code, open for public comment until 10 April 2026, introduces a single, streamlined approval pathway for large-scale renewable energy developments.
It marks a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to become a renewable energy leader by providing a reliable and predictable process for proponents, investors, and local communities.
Designed initially for wind farm proposals, the Code’s structure allows for future expansion to cover other renewable energy infrastructure, such as solar farms and battery energy storage systems.
It outlines development application standards and establishes clear expectations for managing potential impacts, including noise, visual amenity, and environmental considerations.
Planning and Lands Minister John Carey said the release of the draft Code reflects the government’s commitment to creating a robust planning framework that balances industry confidence with community engagement.
He said the initiative ensures Western Australia has a “transparent and contemporary planning framework that gives certainty to industry, while ensuring communities have clarity about how potential impacts will be assessed and managed”.
Carey emphasised the importance of a streamlined and accountable approvals pathway, noting that it would give “proponents confidence to progress major clean energy projects that support jobs and drive regional development”.
He encouraged Western Australians to review the draft documents and provide feedback during the consultation period.
Once finalised, the Code will be able to be adopted into local planning schemes, establishing a uniform set of standards for renewable energy assessment across the state.
This consistency, Carey said, will help reduce duplication, speed up decision-making, and ensure best-practice environmental and community outcomes.
Complementing the draft Code, the state government is also advancing targeted planning reforms to reinforce its intent.
These include requirements for development approval of new noise-sensitive buildings near existing wind farms and a mandatory, simplified approval process for renewable energy projects valued above $20 million.
These reforms align closely with broader initiatives such as the draft Guideline on Community Benefits for Renewable Energy Projects, collectively forming a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to renewable energy planning and regulation.
Public submissions on the draft Renewable Energy Planning Code and Guidelines can be lodged online or by mail until 10 April 2026.
More information is available at Have your say, WA!.
