Windlab has published its 2025 Clean Energy Council (CEC) Best Practice Charter Report, reaffirming its commitment to responsible, community-led renewable energy development.

As a proud signatory to the CEC’s Best Practice Charter for Renewable Energy Projects, Windlab embeds the Charter’s principles into every stage of development. This means engaging early, listening deeply and designing projects that protect environmental, cultural and community values.

The Charter complements Windlab’s Landholder and Community Engagement Commitment, which outlines our approach to building long-term relationships, supporting local priorities and ensuring renewable energy infrastructure coexists with agricultural operations. Together, these frameworks guide how we work in partnership with communities to deliver projects that create lasting value.

Nathan Blundell, Windlab Chief Development Officer, said the Charter reflects the standards Windlab holds itself to.

‘We signed up to the Charter because we believe renewable energy should be done with communities, not just in them,' Mr Blundell said.

'It is about raising the bar and delivering long-term benefits that go beyond clean energy.'

He said the 2025 report highlights Windlab’s ongoing efforts to collaborate with landholders, Traditional Owners and regional stakeholders.

‘Our projects are shaped by local insight and built on trust.

'This report shows how we are putting our values into practice through co-designed benefit programs, meaningful consultation and a genuine commitment to doing things better.'

The report outlines Windlab’s progress and commitments across three key projects:‍

Bungaban wind energy project

• Early engagement with the Iman and Auburn Hawkwood Traditional Owners
• Shared Benefit Agreements and a Good Neighbours Program for nearby landholders
• Workforce accommodation planning with councils and community groups
• Projected to create up to 1,000 jobs and inject over $500 million into the local economy
• Ongoing sponsorships, legacy funding and offset hosting opportunities

Gawara Baya

• Indigenous Land Use Agreement with the Gugu Badhun Aboriginal Corporation
• Pilot Community Benefit Fund launched, with over $60,000 already invested
• Australian-first biodiversity net-gain strategy developed
• Project footprint reduced by more than 50% following local feedback
• Construction expected to begin in 2026, with around 300 direct jobs anticipated

Junction Rivers

• Community-named project and locally designed logo
• $60,000 Pilot Community Benefit Program delivered
• Energy bill relief initiative for nearby residents
• Voluntary Planning Agreement and First Nations fund planned for construction phase
• Less than 3% permanent land impact, with biosecurity and rehabilitation measures in place

Independent review adds rigour to Windlab’s Charter reporting

To strengthen transparency and add rigour to our reporting, Windlab voluntarily engaged KPMG to conduct an independent assessment of our 2025 Best Practice Charter Report. This review verified the accuracy of our claims and assessed the maturity of our approach against leading practice principles. Taking this extra step helps ensure our commitments are backed by evidence and gives us clear insight into where we are performing well and where we can improve.

Windlab looks forward to continuing to uphold the Charter’s principles and working in partnership with communities to deliver renewable energy projects that reflect local values and create lasting regional benefits.

This is Windlab’s second Best Practice Charter Report. To read our 2024 report, click here.