What should you check before starting a bioenergy project in Western Australia?
In Western Australia, most bioenergy projects need three early checks: whether the activity needs a licence, permit or approval from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER), whether planning approval is required, and whether the local network can connect your plant. Thresholds and requirements change, so confirm each with the official regulator before committing money.
Do you need an environmental licence?
Under Part V of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, premises listed as prescribed premises in Schedule 1 of the Environmental Protection Regulations 1987 — which include certain waste processing, composting and fuel-burning categories — generally need a works approval before construction and a licence to operate. DWER publishes guidance on each category.
The simplest first step is to describe your activity, feedstock and expected volumes to DWER and ask whether your premises are prescribed.
Waste rules that shape your feedstock and outputs
Western Australia applies a waste levy under the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Levy Act 2007 in defined areas, and its Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030 promotes organics recovery, including FOGO services. Whether digestate or compost can be supplied to others depends on DWER requirements for the material.
Planning approval
Development applications are usually decided by the local government under the Planning and Development Act 2005 and its planning scheme; larger proposals may go to a Development Assessment Panel or involve the Western Australian Planning Commission. Proposals with significant environmental effects may be referred to the EPA WA.
Electricity and gas network connection
Western Power runs the main south-west electricity network; Horizon Power serves regional and remote WA. ATCO operates most of the gas distribution network in the south-west. Ask the relevant network early, because connection arrangements differ between the main grid and regional systems.
A practical order of checks
- Describe the activity — feedstock, source (on-site or received), volumes and outputs.
- Ask the environmental regulator which licence or permission category applies.
- Talk to council about zoning, traffic, odour and neighbours.
- Contact the network business before sizing any generator or gas injection.
- Confirm digestate or compost use so your by-products have a lawful outlet.
This guide is general information, not legal or regulatory advice. Shelby does not lodge applications.
Frequently asked questions
Does every bioenergy project in Western Australia need an environmental licence?
No. It depends on the type and scale of the activity. Smaller on-farm or on-site systems may fall below thresholds, but planning approval and other duties can still apply. Confirm with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER).
Can I sell or spread digestate?
Possibly, but processed organic outputs are usually regulated. Check whether a specific order, exemption or EPA requirement applies before supplying digestate or compost to others.
Can Shelby handle approvals for me?
No. Shelby helps you organise evidence and questions. Applications go through the regulator, council and network business, with qualified advisers where needed.
Sources & References
- wa.gov.au, DWER Western Australia
Publication: Date not verified
Observation period: Not recorded
Relevant page / section: Claim-level locator not yet verified
Last link / title verification: Not verified
Verification incomplete, do not rely on this reference for an investment or approval decision.
Source metadata and claim-level evidence require verification.
- epa.wa.gov.au, EPA Western Australia
Publication: Date not verified
Observation period: Not recorded
Relevant page / section: Claim-level locator not yet verified
Last link / title verification: Not verified
Verification incomplete, do not rely on this reference for an investment or approval decision.
Source metadata and claim-level evidence require verification.
- legislation.wa.gov.au, WA legislation
Publication: Date not verified
Observation period: Not recorded
Relevant page / section: Claim-level locator not yet verified
Last link / title verification: Not verified
Verification incomplete, do not rely on this reference for an investment or approval decision.
Source metadata and claim-level evidence require verification.
- westernpower.com.au, Western Power
Publication: Date not verified
Observation period: Not recorded
Relevant page / section: Claim-level locator not yet verified
Last link / title verification: Not verified
Verification incomplete, do not rely on this reference for an investment or approval decision.
Source metadata and claim-level evidence require verification.