RE-Alliance welcomes the opportunity to provide input to the Western Australian Government as it develops a state-wide guide on benefit sharing expectations and practice for renewable energy projects.
Our work in WA with local government leaders and community organisations reinforces the importance and urgency of this guidance, and the critical value of getting this guidance right and making it fit for purpose.
In and of itself, however, this guide is not enough to “solve” all issues and challenges around the shift to renewable energy across the state. Thus, in responding to the draft WA community benefit sharing guide, we cover and make recommendations on narrative and communication, policy settings, and community benefit sharing at project and regional scales.
We recommend:
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The WA Government directs Powering WA to take on a stronger role in public communications and engagement about the state’s energy plan, priorities and coordination of developments as well as benefit sharing with the regions.
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Powering WA should ensure renewable energy benefit sharing is made mandatory, rather than being voluntary, and develop a clear legislative framework that includes all technology types and all WA regions.
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Powering WA should ensure flexibility for project developers to tailor and be innovative in benefit sharing that responds to local input, feedback and priorities.
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Powering WA should refine the value per MW for each technology type, set as a minimum amount, indexed to CPI, that is consistent with current practice nationally.
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Powering WA should consider investing in a regional partnerships approach, via Local Energy Hubs, to support communities engaging with the shift to renewables and to host regional dialogues to ensure community input on large scale projects is managed in an efficient, cohesive and community-building way.
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Powering WA should address project build and coordination concerns with WA communities including First Nations groups, business and economic development groups, developers, Councils and WA’s energy entities to determine place-appropriate solutions.
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Powering WA should consider the potential for the Regional Development Commission, or another body, to support coordination of legacy benefits across multiple projects and regions.
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Powering WA should strengthen the guidelines for Benefit Sharing on recognising and respecting Free, Prior and Informed Consent of First Nations communities, and develop clear expectations on benefit sharing with First Nations communities.
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Powering WA should develop a workforce and local procurement plan in partnership with key stakeholders that identifies and invests in solutions that work for WA regions.