Regional towns angsty over renewables rush to be paid per megawatt in draft rules by State Government

A new large-scale wind farm should be returning at least $100,000 a year to regional communities, based on trial guidelines set to be probed by locals who want new energy developers to pay their way. The recommendations outlined by new WA Energy minister Amber-Jade Sanderson on Thursday have already been slammed by Nationals WA Leader Shane Love, who contested the guidelines were not ironclad enough. Regional councils are angling for funding and community benefits from the billions of dollars worth of wind and solar projects set to be built in WA over the coming years. They have also been calling for a more hands-on approach from the State Government regarding preparing local infrastructure and ensuring new turbines and returning power lines are located safely. The new doctrine’s most tangible recommendation is that wind projects should deliver between $500–$1,500 per MW per annum in community funding, and solar projects $150–$800 per MW per annum. That works out that a 200 megawatt wind project would pay between $100,000 and $300,000 in benefits per annum. The paper acknowledged that communities were “not always” getting a fair share benefits of new renewables projects compared to the “challenges” involved hosting and constructing them. Ms Sanderson said the new guidelines, which are open for feedback until August 4, will allow for “sensible arrangements” between communities and developers. “I am pleased to have worked with WALGA to understand the needs of local governments, and to hear from them today as we launch this Draft Guideline.” Member for Geraldton Kirrilee Warr MLA said the Nationals were not opposed to renewable projects but that communities must have their concerns heard. The party is arguing there should be more rigorous community assessment policies in place for new projects and that community benefit fund donations should be enforceable. “Renewable energy is part of WA’s future, but it must not come at the cost of social cohesion, prime farmland, or local decision-making,” Mr Love said.