Draft Renewable Energy Planning Code: A turning point for renewables in Western Australia

The release of Western Australia’s Draft Renewable Energy Planning Code marks an important step in the State’s transition towards a more coordinated, transparent and predictable planning system for renewable energy. While long anticipated, the Draft Code represents a significant shift in how wind, solar and battery projects will be assessed and introduces expectations that proponents will need to plan for early.

Renewable energy is no longer a peripheral land use; it is becoming critical infrastructure, with impacts that extend well beyond the project footprint. The Draft Code acknowledges this reality and begins to align WA’s planning system with the scale and complexity of projects now being proposed across the State.

A more consistent framework

Historically, renewable energy proposals have navigated a patchwork of State policies, local scheme interpretations and varying levels of experience across jurisdictions. This flexibility has supported innovation but resulted in inconsistency, particularly for large scale wind projects.

The Draft Code provides a much clearer structure. It introduces consistent terminology, standardised expectations and a more predictable baseline for assessment across all regions. For proponents, this should improve certainty, but it also reduces the room for strategic flexibility that some projects have relied on.

Higher expectations for upfront detail

A major theme throughout the Draft Code is the expectation of more robust, earlier-stage information. Proponents are now encouraged – and in several cases required – to resolve key issues during the application stage rather than deferring them through conditions. This includes:

• More detailed noise, visual, aviation, transport and environmental assessments
• Early construction and decommissioning planning
• A significantly strengthened approach to assessing impacts on non host dwellings
• Greater clarity around micro siting, with infrastructure to be defined within a 100 metre tolerance

These shifts will require more intensive pre lodgement work, closer coordination between disciplines, and a realistic reassessment of project timelines.

Elevating community engagement

The Draft Code places a strong emphasis on genuine engagement with affected landowners and communities. Public advertising becomes mandatory, and proponents will need to demonstrate:

• Early and meaningful engagement
• Transparent reporting of issues raised
• A clear explanation of how feedback shaped the proposal
• Consideration of benefit sharing models, supported by guidance from PoweringWA

This reflects the importance of building and maintaining social licence as renewable energy projects become larger and more visible across regional WA.

Balancing prescription with performance

The Draft Code adopts a performance based framework, but the balance between flexibility and prescription varies. Some requirements, such as minimum turbine setbacks, are non negotiable. Others allow proponents to justify alternative outcomes where supported by evidence.

This is a more mature approach, but it also raises the bar. Proponents should expect regulators to look for well supported, technically sound justification where performance outcomes are used.

A new assessment pathway for major projects

Proposed amendments to the Planning and Development (Significant Development) Regulations 2024 introduce WA’s first mandatory significant development pathway for renewable energy proposals valued at more than $20 million. These applications will now be determined by the Western Australian Planning Commission, removing proponent choice.

For projects currently in planning or early design, timing will be critical, as applications lodged before gazettal may still proceed through the originally selected pathway.

Key considerations for proponents during exhibition

With the Draft Code on exhibition until April 2026, now is the time to:

• Review current and future projects against the Draft Code
• Identify areas where design or strategy may need to shift
• Understand potential impacts on timelines and cost profiles
• Engage with stakeholders early and effectively
• Prepare targeted submissions that address practical implementation challenges

How Urbis can support you

Urbis has extensive experience assisting proponents, government and communities with complex renewable energy assessments across Australia. We can help you interpret the Draft Code, assess portfolio level implications, adjust project strategies and prepare well considered submissions during the consultation period.

If you would like to discuss how the Draft Code may affect your projects, our team would be pleased to assist.