Western Australian Community Information

This collection of content provides you with information about Australia's energy system and the shift to clean energy. The content is provided for information purposes only. It may not reflect the views of the Australian Government or the Office of the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner.

Links are provided to external websites. While we aim to link to reliable sources, we do not control their content or guarantee its accuracy or currency. We aim to keep links current. If you find a broken link, please contact us at aeic@aeic.gov.au

Energy delivered well

Discover simple examples of how energy projects can be done well. This page highlights real stories, case studies and practical examples of projects working effectively with communities, building trust and delivering local benefits. It helps show what good practice looks like and what approaches can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.

Australian Government – Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts
Regional Renewables: Community Showcase
Research on how communities view energy projects. Explains what social licence means and why trust matters. Shows how community views can affect project outcomes. Highlights the need for clear engagement and strong relationships.

Clean Energy Council
Best Practice Charter 2025
November 2025
A summary of how renewable energy projects are working with communities across Australia. Shares real examples from projects. Shows how developers engage, manage impacts, and share benefits. Highlights what good practice looks like in regional areas.

RE-Alliance
Renewables done right
A webpage with a series of stories about renewable energy in regional areas. Shows how projects work on farms and in communities. Highlights benefits and what works well.

Energy project development and approvals

This page provides information and resources on how renewable energy and transmission projects are planned and approved. It brings together government guidance, policies and project information to help explain how projects progress from planning to delivery, what governments and developers are doing, and what communities can expect at different stages of the process.

Western Australian Government
Western Australian Planning Commission
This page shows how Western Australia is updating its energy system. It explains that PoweringWA helps plan new power lines, renewable energy and storage. It focuses on connecting wind and solar to homes and businesses. It also shows how planning is being improved to help projects move faster. The program works with communities and industry to manage impacts and share benefits.

Australian Government – Department of Climate Change Energy the Environment and Water
Development pathway for Australian renewable energy projects
This overview explains the main stages of large renewable energy projects. It covers planning through to operation. It helps communities and stakeholders understand how these projects develop.

Australian Government – Department of Climate Change Energy the Environment and Water
Developer Rating Scheme
A scheme to rate renewable energy and transmission companies. Shows how well they work with communities and landholders. Uses clear measures to assess performance and track record. Aims to improve transparency, build trust and support better project outcomes.

Clean Energy Council
Best practice guidelines for implementation of wind energy projects in Australia
June 2018
This guideline provides practical advice for wind energy projects in Australia. It covers each stage, from planning to operation. It includes technical, environmental and community considerations. It shows what good wind development looks like.

Infrastructure Australia
Assessment Framework Overview
An overview on how major infrastructure projects are assessed in Australia. Explains the steps to plan, assess and deliver projects. Covers a four-stage process from early planning to review after completion. Helps ensure projects are well planned and deliver good outcomes for the community.

Landholder and environment: guides and concerns

See simple guides and links for landholders and communities about renewable energy and transmission projects. This page covers common concerns such as land use, the environment, safety, agriculture and health, helping you understand potential impacts, your rights, available support, and what to expect at different stages of a project. It brings together practical information and resources to support informed decision-making.

Australian Government – Department of Climate Change Energy the Environment and Water
Developer Rating Scheme
A scheme to rate renewable energy and transmission companies. Shows how well they work with communities and landholders. Uses clear measures to assess performance and track record. Aims to improve transparency, build trust and support better project outcomes.

Farmers for Climate Action
Opportunities for regional communities in the renewable energy boom
October 2022
This report explains how farming and regional communities can take part in renewable energy. It shows how they can benefit from the rollout. It highlights options like on-farm renewables, agrivoltaics and storage. It also supports fair sharing of benefits.

Re- Alliance
Community benefits handbook
September 2021
This handbook provides examples and tools for community benefits from renewable projects. It helps local groups, landholders, and developers. It shows how to create fair and meaningful benefit programs that suit local needs.

Re- Alliance
Building stronger communities
December 2023
This guide explains how community benefit funds for renewable projects work. It covers how they are set up. It includes examples and tips for local programs. It shows how communities can secure lasting benefits.

Community Power Agency
Community-owned renewable energy – A how to guide
July 2019
This guide explains community-owned renewable energy. It helps people plan and start local projects. It includes simple steps and tools. It supports shared benefits in the clean energy transition.
AEIC – Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner
Considerations for Landholders before entering into Commercial Agreements
January 2023
A guide for landholders on agreements with energy developers. It covers key clauses and risks. It helps landowners make informed decisions.

Clean Energy Council
Renewable Energy and Property Values & Insurance – Fact Sheet
This fact sheet explains how energy projects may affect property prices and insurance. It shows that impacts are usually small, local, and short term.

AEIC – Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner
Public Liability Insurance for Landholders Neighbouring Energy Infrastructure
December 2025
This statement looks at public liability insurance for landholders near energy projects. It explains concerns about risk and cost. It calls for a clear and consistent approach across Australia. It also states that landholders should not face higher insurance risks or costs due to nearby projects.

Farmers for Climate Action
Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy
September 2025
A submission on false information about climate and energy. Shows how it can affect people, communities, and decisions. Calls for clear, accurate information and better trust in the energy transition.

AEIC – Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner
Position statement: Treatment of renewable energy assets at end of life – protection for landholders
October 2025
This statement looks at what happens when renewable energy projects reach the end of their life. It explains the need for clear rules and fair responsibility. It focuses on protecting landholders, so they are not left with clean-up costs. It also calls for a consistent approach across Australia.

Clean Energy Council
Renewable energy fact sheets
The Clean Energy Council’s fact sheets share clear and short information. They cover different parts of renewable energy in Australia. They talk about the technology and the benefits for people. The goal is to help everyone learn and be part of clean energy.

Clean Energy Council
Recycling in the future: sustainable solutions for renewable energy technologies
This fact sheet talks about what happens to renewable energy items when they are old. It says they can be recycled or reused. This cuts down on waste and saves resources. The fact sheet also says that project owners must clean up old sites. They must follow landowner contracts and rules.

Re- Alliance
What happens when renewables approach end of life?
A toolkit on what happens when renewable energy projects reach the end of their life. It explains options like replacing, upgrading, or removing projects.

Clean Energy Council
Using the beach near an offshore wind farm
This link explains how far offshore these farms are. They sit at least 10 km from the coast, and sometimes over 35 km. This means little to no impact on beachgoers. Swimming, surfing, and boating are not affected. Cables are buried under the sand. The beach stays natural.

Clean Energy Council
Whales and offshore wind energy
August 2025
The fact sheet looks at how wind farms may affect whales. It says there is no proof that offshore wind causes whale deaths. Any effects are likely short-term and local. The fact sheet also explains that Australia has rules to protect marine life. These rules guide how wind projects are planned and built.

Clean Energy Council
Recycling and decommissioning of offshore wind turbines
A fact sheet on what happens to offshore wind turbines at the end of their life. Explains how turbines are removed and how materials can be recycled. Shows that most parts can be reused, and how sites are restored after projects finish.
Clean Energy Council
Safe and sustainable: debunking myths about solar panels
This site clears up common fears. It says modern solar panels are safe for people and the environment. They are also made to be recycled. The page warns that false claims about toxicity can slow down the switch to clean energy.

Clean Energy Council
Enhancing nature through renewable energy
This site talks about how clean energy helps the environment. It says that these projects cut greenhouse gas emissions and boost local economies. It also talks about worries people have, like land use and wildlife.

Clean Energy Council
Solar synergies: how renewable energy and agriculture thrive together
August 2025
This fact sheet shows how farming and clean energy can work side by side. It talks about agrisolar—using land for both solar panels and farming, like grazing animals. This can bring extra income and help animal welfare. The fact sheet also shares success stories, like the Gatton Solar Farm run by the University of Queensland.

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)
Impacts on birds and bats from onshore wind farms in Australia
A report on how wind farms can affect birds and bats. Explains risks like collisions and changes to habitats. Shows how impacts can be reduced through planning, monitoring, and better turbine design.
Australian and New Zealand Council for fire and emergency services
Large-scale battery energy storage system installations
AFAC’s guidance covers large battery storage systems. It focuses on fire and emergency safety. It supports safer design and operation of grid-connected battery sites.

Australian and New Zealand Council for fire and emergency services
Utility PV Array Installations
AFAC’s guidance covers large solar farms. It focuses on fire and emergency safety. It supports safer design and operation of solar sites.

Australian and New Zealand Council for fire and emergency services
Wind Farms and Bushfire Operations
AFAC’s guideline covers bushfire risk near wind farms. It explains planning, response, and recovery. It also shows how emergency services work with wind farms.

Australian and New Zealand Council for fire and emergency services
Operational response and lithium-ion batteries
AFAC’s guidance covers lithium-ion battery incidents. It focuses on safety and firefighting. It also explains emergency steps for battery systems.

Clean Energy Council
Fire-resilient renewable energy: minimising bushfire risk
August 2025
This fact sheet explains how projects are made safer from fire. It shows that safety is planned from the start. This includes site choice, safe design and clearing vegetation. It also involves working with local fire crews. Projects must follow CFA rules. These are now used across Australia.
NHMRC - National Health and Medical Research Council
Evidence on wind farms and human health
February 2015
This statement summarises evidence on wind farms and health. It finds no clear link to harmful health effects. It also highlights areas for further research.

AMA - The Australian Medical Association
Wind Farms and Health
This position statement explains wind farms and health. It finds no evidence that turbines cause health problems. It says concerns are more likely linked to anxiety or perceptions than physical effects.

Flinders University
Wind farm noise and sleep disruption
This summary looks at wind farm noise and sleep. It explores how it may affect nearby communities.

Clean Energy Council
Wind turbines and health
August 2025
This fact sheet looks at wind turbines and health. It refers to studies from trusted groups like the NHMRC and the Australian Medical Association. These studies found no proof of harm from turbine noise. It also explains that turbines must follow strict noise rules. They are checked to meet health and safety standards.

Acoustics Australia
A Review of the Potential Impacts of Wind Turbine Noise in the Australian Context
This review looks at how wind farm sound is measured. It explores links to annoyance, sleep, and quality of life. It suggests limits and ways to manage noise impacts.

WHO – World Health Organization
Environmental noise guidelines for the European Region
This document gives advice on protecting people from environmental noise. It includes sources like wind turbines and other infrastructure. It sets exposure limits and guides action to reduce harm.

Community Engagement and Social License

Explore simple guides and resources about how energy projects work with communities. This page covers community engagement, benefit sharing, social licence and co-existence, helping explain how people can have a say, share in the benefits, and work with project developers. It provides practical information on building trust, managing impacts, and achieving better outcomes for local communities.

Australian Government – Department of Climate Change Energy the Environment and Water
Community Engagement Review
A report on improving community engagement for renewable energy projects. Shows key issues and ways to build trust and improve how projects work with communities.

Australian Government – Department of Climate Change Energy the Environment and Water
State and territory government actions to improve community engagement with renewable energy infrastructure
A webpage on how state and territory governments support community engagement for renewable energy. Outlines plans, policies, and guidelines across Australia. Includes payment schemes and tools for landholders and communities.

Australian Government – Department of Climate Change Energy the Environment and Water
Community engagement for renewable energy infrastructure
A page on how communities are involved in energy projects. Explains the need for clear and meaningful engagement. Covers guidelines, support, and actions to build trust and improve outcomes for communities.

Community Power Agency
Collaborating for a fair energy shift: A handbook for communities
November 2025
This handbook gives practical advice for communities, groups, and project developers. It shows how to work together during the energy transition. It includes simple steps and tools. These help communities take part, negotiate benefits, and have a stronger say in local projects.

Australian Government – Department of Climate Change Energy the Environment and Water
Community engagement and benefits for electricity transmission projects
July 2024
A guide on how transmission projects should work with communities. Covers early engagement, listening to feedback and managing impacts. Aims to build trust and improve outcomes for communities and landholders.

Clean Energy Council
A guide to benefit sharing options for renewable energy projects
October 2019
A guide on how renewable energy projects can share benefits with communities. Shows different ways to provide support and involve local people. Includes simple examples and ideas.

The Energy Charter
Landholder & Community Better Practice Engagement Guide
September 2021
A guide on how energy projects should work with landholders and communities. Sets clear rules for respectful engagement. Covers impacts and how to manage them. Shows how to work together and share benefits. Aims to build trust and better outcomes.

Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal
Time to strike a good deal for communities hosting renewables
This report explores how rural and regional communities can secure a fairer deal from large-scale renewable energy developments. It draws on insights from community leaders in regions hosting wind, solar, battery and transmission projects. The report identifies common opportunities and challenges, including housing, services, local jobs, community benefits and trust in decision-making. It also outlines practical recommendations to improve transparency, strengthen local input, and ensure communities share in the long-term benefits of the energy transition.

Community Power Agency
Guide to Regional Benefit Sharing
July 2025
A guide and recorded webinar on sharing benefits from renewable energy projects. Shows how to combine funds across projects. Helps communities plan and decide what matters most. Aims to create long-term benefits.

AEIC – Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner
Considerations for Offshore Wind Industry on Community Engagement
November 2023
A guide on how offshore wind projects should work with communities. Shows how to share information and listen to concerns. Encourages early engagement. Aims to build trust.

Clean Energy Council
Best practice guidelines for implementation of wind energy projects in Australia
June 2018
A guide on how wind energy projects should be planned and built. Covers community engagement, the environment and project delivery. Aims to support better outcomes for communities and landholders.

Clean Energy Council
Community Engagement Guidelines for Renewable Energy Developments
A guide to best practice for community engagement in wind projects. Covers all stages of a project, from early planning to operation. Provides practical steps and tools to build trust, involve communities and improve project outcomes.

AEIC – Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner
Commissioner's speech – Clean Energy Council Wind Industry Forum
May 2025
In a speech at the Clean Energy Council Wind Industry Forum, the Commissioner said the sector must improve how it works with communities. He said 92% of people are unhappy with the current approach. He called for more honesty, teamwork, and real benefits for all.

Australian Government – Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts
Regional Renewables: Community Showcase
Research on how communities view energy projects. Explains what social licence means and why trust matters. Shows how community views can affect project outcomes. Highlights the need for clear engagement and strong relationships.

Essential Media
Talking Renewables to the Regions
July 2024
A research report on how people in regional Australia see renewable energy. Shows views, concerns, and levels of support. Highlights the need for clear information, trust, and better engagement in the energy transition.
Clean Energy Council
Doing renewables right
An initiative to improve how renewable energy projects are delivered. Focuses on working with communities and building trust. Supports clear information and sharing benefits. Aims to make projects work better.

The Energy Charter
Better Practice Social Licence Guideline + Review
A guide on how energy projects can build trust with communities and landholders. Sets clear expectations to reduce impacts and create shared value. Includes practical actions to improve engagement and outcomes. Aims to build trust and support better project delivery.

Clean Energy Council
Best Practice Charter
A charter for how renewable energy projects should be delivered. Sets clear rules for working with communities and landholders. Focuses on respect and sharing benefits. Aims to build trust.

Clean Energy Council
Empowering communities: the local benefits of renewable energy
2024
This fact sheet talks about how renewable energy helps local people. It says these projects create jobs and help local businesses. They also bring money to landholders and councils. This helps build stronger communities.

Community Power Agency
Power in Partnership: A guide to developing a community stake in renewable energy
March 2026
A guide on how communities can take part in renewable energy projects. Shows ways to share in benefits and have a say in projects. Includes examples and simple steps to get involved.

The Energy Charter
Regional Energy Collaboration Framework
July 2025
A toolkit on how energy companies and communities can work together. Puts communities at the centre of the energy transition. Shows how to build shared plans, set clear roles and track outcomes. Aims to build trust and deliver real benefits for regional areas.

The Next Economy, RE Alliance, Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal and Projects JSA
Striking a new deal for renewables in regions
July 2025
A report on renewable energy in regional areas. Shows the need for clear information and local input. Highlights risks and benefits. Calls for fair outcomes for communities.

Clean Energy Council
Benefit Sharing Options for Renewable Energy Projects
This page explains benefit sharing from renewable projects. It shows how projects can support local communities. It includes options like agreements, local investment, and community programs. These can help deliver fair benefits.

Further assistance

This page shows where to get help if you need it. It includes links to free legal assistance and mental health support services, helping you find the right information, support and contacts. These resources can assist landholders, community members and families to access advice, understand their options, and connect with professional support when needed.

Legal Aid Western Australia
Get Legal Help
This page shows how people in Western Australia can get legal help. It explains that Legal Aid WA offers free or low-cost legal services for people with legal problems or going to court. It shows that help is available through phone, online, in person and at court. It includes legal advice, duty lawyers and help with some cases for people who qualify. It also explains that support depends on the person’s situation, but help is aimed at making legal services easier to access.

Community Legal WA
Free and Low-Cost Legal Help in WA
This website shows how community legal centres give free or low-cost legal help in Western Australia. It helps people find the right service. Centres give advice, support and referrals. It also shows how the organisation supports these centres and works to make things fairer.

Law Access
Helping vulnerable Western Australians access legal assistance
This website shows how Law Access helps people who cannot afford a lawyer. It connects people with lawyers who may provide help for free. It is usually used when other options like Legal Aid or community legal centres are not available. It explains that people must apply and meet certain rules, including financial need and having a strong case. The service helps people find legal support as a last step and improve access to justice.

Federal Court of Australia
List of Organisations
This page from the Federal Court of Australia lists organisations that can help with legal problems. It includes free and low-cost services, such as legal aid and community legal centres. It can guide you before or during a court matter.

National Legal Aid
Access to justice
This website explains the role of National Legal Aid. It represents legal aid commissions across Australia. It promotes access to justice. It also helps people find free or low-cost legal support.

Australian Government – Attorney-General’s Department
Legal assistance services
This Australian Government page explains legal help across the country. It includes legal aid, community legal centres, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal services. It also shows support for people who cannot afford legal help.

Community Legal Centres Australia
Find legal help
This page explains how to find free or low-cost legal help. It covers more than 160 community legal services across Australia. It includes links to state and territory centres. These can help with civil, family, and other legal issues.

NATSILS – National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services
The national peak body of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services who operate across Australia
This website is the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services. It works to improve access to justice. It supports culturally safe legal help, community education, and law reform for Indigenous peoples.
Beyond Blue
Call 24/7 - 1300 22 4636
Provides free, 24/7 support for mental health. It includes help for anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. It also offers peer support forums and online resources.

Lifeline Australia
Call 24/7 - 13 11 14
A national crisis support and suicide prevention service. It offers free and confidential help. It also provides online chat and text support.

Kids Helpline
Call 24/7 - 1800 55 1800
A free and confidential counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. It offers support by phone and online. It also provides resources for parents and schools.

Wheatbelt Mental Health Service
This page shows mental health services in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia. It explains that support is available for people of all ages. It includes assessment, treatment and ongoing care. Services are provided through hospitals, clinics and community teams. It also shows that care is local and aims to support people close to home.