- The Minister for Energy and Mining invites applications for a renewable energy feasibility licence (REFL) in the Whyalla West and Gawler Ranges East release areas.
- Applications open on 30 March 2026 and close on 28 June 2026.
About the tender process and required information
The Department for Energy and Mining has prepared material to assist applicants.
- Introduction and background to the release areas
Gawler Ranges East and Whyalla West call for tenders (PDF, 5.9 MB) - Tender criteria guidelines
Release area tender criteria guidelines 2026 (PDF, 720.6 KB) - Guidance on the rental determination
Gawler Ranges East and Whyalla West rental guidelines (PDF, 641.4 KB)
Information on the release areas
Gawler Ranges East release area
Gazette notice
The notice to call for tenders and rental determination for the Gawler Ranges East release area was published in the The South Australian Government Gazette on Thursday 26 March 2026 (pages 732–736 and 738–739).
Map of the area
Download map showing Gawler Ranges East release area (PDF, 1011.9 KB)
Native Vegetation Heritage Agreement
Access to the heritage agreement area within the Gawler Ranges East release area is subject to regulatory requirements and approvals under the Native Vegetation Act 1991. A map showing the heritage area and information regarding access to the area and approvals required is available in the following document:
Native title - Gawler Ranges Aboriginal Corporation (GRAC)
In accordance with the published Gazette notices, applicants must submit a statement outlining any agreement that is in place with a native title holder of the land.
- Gawler Ranges Aboriginal Corporation matters guidance material (PDF, 5.4 MB)
- Guidelines in relation to licence application over native title land (PDF, 180.8 KB)
Contact the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal Corporation at: GRACcontact@gmail.com
Whyalla West release area
Gazette notice
The notice to call for tenders and rental determination for the Whyalla West release area was published in the The South Australian Government Gazette on Thursday 26 March 2026 (pages 735–737 and 739–740).
Map of the area
Download map showing Whyalla West release area (PDF, 1.4 MB)
Native title - Barngala Determination Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC
In accordance with the published Gazette notices, applicants must submit a statement outlining any agreement that is in place with a native title holder of the land.
Contact the Barngala Determination Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC at: barngarlacontact@gmail.com
Submitting your application
Applications, including all required documentation, must be submitted via the following form:
More information and questions
If you have any questions about the call for tenders process, submit them by email to ReleaseAreas@sa.gov.au
Questions Register
Note that, to ensure fairness to all applicants, answers to questions will be published on the DEM website via the Questions Register.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions, covering general information, information for landowners, and information for tender applicants are also available:
Closing date for applications
Applications close on 28 June 2026.
