An Energy Transition Without Losing Nature
How can Western Australia deliver renewable energy quickly while protecting biodiversity? UBC’s submission on the draft Coordinator General Guidelines explains why site selection, transparency and strong environmental safeguards matter.
Why UBC made a submission
New planning rules could fast-track major projects in Western Australia. UBC is working to ensure the clean energy transition protects biodiversity and urban bushland.
The Urban Bushland Council recently made a submission to the Western Australian Government on the draft Coordinator General Guidelines, a position being created under the State Development Act 2025. These guidelines will influence how major projects — including renewable energy infrastructure — are prioritised and approved across Western Australia.
UBC strongly supports the transition to renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We also know that biodiversity in WA is already under enormous pressure. Habitat loss remains the leading driver of species decline and is directly impacting local climate changes. Our remnant urban bushland is becoming increasingly fragmented.
Research by Professor Brendan Wintle from the University of Melbourne – and presenter at the CCWA 2025 Conference – highlights that the renewable energy transition does not need to come at the expense of biodiversity. His detailed analysis shows that with careful planning and site selection; renewable energy projects can be in areas where they have minimal impact on wildlife and ecosystems.
What is the Coordinator General?
The State Development Act 2025 created a new role called the Coordinator General, located within the Department of the Premier and Cabinet to help coordinate government agencies and streamline approvals for projects considered strategically important to the State.
Projects given “Priority Project” status may receive special support to move through approvals more quickly. While this may help deliver important infrastructure, it also means that decisions about where projects are located and how environmental impacts may or may not be assessed.
Why UBC raised concerns
In our submission, UBC noted that the draft guidelines are not legally binding, and the criteria for declaring Priority Projects are extremely broad. Without stronger safeguards, almost any large development could potentially qualify, even where significant environmental impacts may occur.
Submission on the website here:
We raised concerns about the limited detail in the guidelines about how biodiversity will be considered, and the lack of requirements for thoughtful planning or public consultation.
A better pathway forward
Professor Wintle’s research emphasises the importance of “smart siting” — proactively mapping biodiversity values alongside renewable energy potential to identify and publish locations where projects can proceed with minimal environmental impact. This approach supports the rapid expansion of renewable energy while avoiding the most sensitive habitats.
In our submission, UBC recommended that renewable energy infrastructure should prioritise locations such as:
- previously cleared land
- degraded land
- industrial areas
- existing infrastructure corridors
Urban bushland and high-value native ecosystems should be avoided.
Why this matters
Many of the bushland areas we value today exist because local communities cared enough to protect them. Friends groups, bushcare volunteers and conservation advocates have helped ensure these places survive in a rapidly growing city.
Western Australia can achieve both a clean energy future and strong biodiversity protection. With thoughtful planning and good policy settings, renewable energy can be delivered in ways that strengthen natural systems that support our wildlife, climate and communities.
Reference: Presentation to the Annual Conference of the Conservation Council of WA November 2025: An energy transition that is good for biodiversity is possible and essential by Professor Brendan Wintle The University of Melbourne , Melbourne Biodiversity Institute and Biodiversity Council.