It marks a significant milestone in shaping how the next generation of renewable energy development will be assessed in Western Australia, as the government works towards becoming a renewable energy powerhouse.
The draft Code establishes a clear, consistent and transparent planning framework for wind farm proposals and is structured to allow for future expansion to other forms of renewable energy infrastructure, such as solar farms and battery energy storage systems.
It delivers greater transparency and consistency in how potential impacts, such as noise and visual amenity, are assessed and managed. The draft Code also provides clarity in development application requirements and standards, giving industry confidence to invest and ensuring communities understand how proposals will be evaluated.
Once finalised, the Code can be incorporated into local planning schemes, providing a consistent set of standards and requirements for assessing renewable energy proposals across the State.
To complement the Code, the state government is also progressing targeted regulatory reforms to reinforce its intent and strengthen planning controls for renewable energy projects, including requiring development approval for new noise-sensitive developments near wind farms and a mandatory streamlined approval pathway for projects over $20 million.
Together with the recently released draft Guideline on Community Benefits for Renewable Energy Projects, the proposed changes provide a comprehensive and contemporary approach to planning for renewable energy development in Western Australia.
WA Planning and Lands Minister John Carey said: “The release of the draft Renewable Energy Planning Code and supporting Guidelines for public comment is a significant step in ensuring Western Australia has a clear and consistent policy framework that supports investment in renewable energy projects that will be critical to our future economy.”
“The draft Code provides 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.”
“A strong and streamlined approvals pathway is essential to giving proponents confidence to progress major clean energy projects that support jobs and drive regional development.”
“I encourage Western Australians to review the draft Code and Guidelines and share their feedback during the consultation period.”
Public consultation on the draft Code and Guidelines will run until 10 April 2026. Submissions can be made online or by mail.
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