Shire of Dandaragan says renewable project in Mid West could set precedent for community benefit funds

A Mid West shire is hopeful an approved renewable energy farm will set a precedent for community benefits across the State. Subject to approvals, Atmos Renewables will build a 79-turbine wind farm in Badgingarra in the Shire of Dandaragan, partnering with Parron Developments. As part of the deal, a community benefit fund was introduced which, should the project come to fruition, contribute $1000 for every megawatt produced. Over the 35-year lifespan of the project, it means up to $17 million could come back to the community through the fund. Shire president Tony O’Gorman said the result was a positive outcome for the community. “We’ve already got three wind farms and when those community benefit funds were thought of, there was no basis on which to set up the fund,” he said. “We’ve taken learnings over the years to figure out what we really need, and Parron was very happy to come to the party.” Also included as part of the agreement was to make the access road out of bitumen in order to safely deliver the wind turbines. Tim Stevenson, a sheep farmer in Badgingarra who operates Parron Developments, agreed to let Atmos Renewables build a wind farm on his property to take some of the financial risk out of running a farm. “It definitely de-risks the operation. It allows us to invest back into the farm,” he said. “Livestock is very volatile, it hasn’t always been great, and we’ll have a tough year ahead of us again. “If we have a secure, steady income, it definitely makes the whole farming enterprise operation more viable.” Mr Stevenson said if it were to become a precedent for renewables, it could be a step forward for the community. “As a landholder, it would be awesome for our communities,” he said. “As a developer, I don’t want to push other developers into a direction they’re not happy to do. “I think it’s for the communities to decide whether it’s worthwhile.” Mr O’Gorman hoped the deal would lay the foundation for other renewable projects going forward. “This is really setting the baseline. Previous community benefit funds . . . we have approximately $60,000 a year, maybe just under that,” he said. “Things like having good bitumen roads, they’re a legacy item. They’ll last for 20 to 30 years after the construction has completed. “We’ve suggested Parron Wind Farms they look at not only renting or buying in town, but actually constructing some houses for their staff. “That’s the benefit of having a good baseline that has now been set.” The project is with the Federal Government for environmental approvals, and public comment was being sought on the project until January 20. Mr Stevenson said all things going well, the project would commence in 18 months time. It comes as the WA Nationals have announced a policy to mandate community benefit funds, with a minimum contribution of 1.5 per cent of the project’s value should they form government in 2025. It was part of the party’s promise to implement a State planning policy for renewable energy, to help regional communities benefit. State Nationals leader Shane Love said local governments needed to be consulted and benefit from renewables projects. “There’s no question that renewable energy is part of WA’s energy future, but these projects must be implemented in a way that is well-planned, well-managed, and delivers positive outcomes for our communities, our economy and our environment,” he said. “These funds will be managed by local governments to support regional initiatives, ensuring the towns and cities hosting wind farms, solar farms and other renewables see direct and meaningful benefits.”