New Priority Designations and Planning Powers for Energy Projects
Energy Legislation Amendment (Prioritising Renewable Energy) Bill 2026
1st House
2nd House
Law
This bill was sponsored by Paul Scully (ALP)
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
The Minister administering the Electricity Supply Act 1995 can declare specific energy projects as priority energy projects.
The Planning Minister can declare a priority energy project or residential accommodation as State significant development without seeking advice from the Independent Planning Commission.
The Independent Planning Commission can hold public hearings for priority energy projects if the Planning Minister requests it.
The Development Coordination Authority must follow the control and direction of the Planning Minister, though this does not apply to the content of the Authority's reports or advice.
Developers of renewable energy projects may be required to provide free land, money, or other public benefits under a planning agreement.
The Planning Minister can set the minimum or maximum amounts of land or money a renewable energy developer must provide under a planning agreement.