The Guideline provides a clear framework for effective community benefit arrangements for new grid-connected wind, solar and energy storage projects on the South West Interconnected System (SWIS). By using the Guideline, renewable energy developers, Local Governments and community groups can ensure that benefits arrangements are fair, transparent and consistent, supporting local priorities and aligned to local needs. The Guideline will empower host communities to share in the economic dividends of the energy transition while also supporting developers in building strong and lasting social licence and streamlining project delivery.

The full Guideline, along with accompanying documents, can be downloaded below:

• Community Benefits Guideline for Large-scale Renewable Energy Projects in the South West Interconnected System

• Attachment 1 - Community Benefits Plans
  
  
• Attachment 2 - Community Benefits Plans Pilot
  

To ensure community benefits expenditure is locally-led, the Guideline outlines that it should be directed by Community Benefits Plans. Community Benefit Plans are strategic roadmaps for benefits spending, developed collaboratively by community members, Local Governments, developers, Traditional Owners, and other local groups to ensure funding reflects the priorities of the host community.

Importantly, these Plans are designed through Community Workshops, which are made up of representatives from a cross-section of the local community. The expertise and local knowledge of local people will be important to developing effective Plans that deliver against local priorities.

The Community Benefits Plan Pilot is supporting the rollout of the Guideline by developing Community Benefits Plans in the Shires of Narrogin, West Arthur, Victoria Plains and Dandaragan. PoweringWA will work with these communities to develop Plans that align benefits funding with locally identified priorities and deliver positive social, cultural and economic outcomes for local communities, demonstrating the effectiveness of the model.

Ultimately, the Pilot will test and refine the Community Benefits Plan process to ensure it supports the best possible outcomes for communities affected by new renewable projects in the SWIS.

PoweringWA is developing resources to help you and your community understand the Community Benefits Guideline and the Pilot program. Follow the links below to find out more:

• Community Benefits Guideline: Frequently Asked Questions
  
  
• Community Benefits Guideline and Community Benefits Plans: Factsheet
  
  
• Public Webinar PowerPoint (16 March 2026)