- New Environmental Protection Act exemption to allow Crown land to be leased to renewable energy proponents while proposal is assessed
- Change is part of $22.5 million investment in ‘Green Energy Approvals Initiative’
- Cook Government committed to tackling climate change and turning WA into a renewable energy powerhouse
Western Australia’s transition to a global green energy superpower is a step closer with a new exemption order to slash renewable energy project approval times.
Through an exemption order under the Environmental Protection Act 1986, the Minister for Lands will be able to grant an option to lease Crown land to renewable energy proponents while their proposal is being assessed by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
The exemption order will not impact the current environmental assessment processes under the Act.
The new streamlined approvals pathway is part of the Cook Government’s $22.5 million commitment to the ‘Green Energy Approvals Initiative’ to drive investment in wind and solar power, green hydrogen, lithium mining, critical minerals processing and manufacturing, along with recycling green energy products.
More than $3 billion was allocated in the most recent State Budget to initiatives that will diversify the economy and help transition WA to a clean energy future.
The streamlined approvals process builds on a number of initiatives WA is undertaking to tackle climate change and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
As stated by Environment Minister Reece Whitby:
“This new, streamlined approvals process for renewable energy projects is part of our Government’s commitment to developing creative, collaborative approaches to support decarbonisation in Western Australia.
“We have listened to the feedback from proponents and investors, and found an innovative approach to ensure these renewable energy projects are able to progress in a timely manner.
“We are not making any changes to the due diligence or responsibilities of the EPA – or the Minister for Lands through this reform – these changes will simply reduce Government approvals timeframes for projects that can meet their environmental requirements, while preserving the due diligence and responsibilities required by the EPA.”
As stated by Lands Minister John Carey:
“Western Australia is on track to become a global green energy superpower.
“This new class exemption builds on the Cook Government’s commitment to streamline approvals, and cut green tape for the State’s renewable energy to deliver new jobs and diversify our economy.
“Along with harnessing our exceptional renewable energy resources, providing access to Crown land is one of many ways we are facilitating more clean energy production, while creating skilled local jobs for the future.
“This new streamlined process means Government can provide renewable energy proponents greater confidence to invest here – further highlighting WA’s leading role in a decarbonised future.”
