Some 25 local First Nations leaders attended the first ever 'Powering Up Workshop’ designed to empower First Nations communities to engage, consent, negotiate and partner in new clean energy developments, held in Jambinu (Geraldton), Western Australia this week.
First Nations people and communities are rights holders and critical partners in Australia's clean energy transition.
If the transition to clean energy is to be just, the industry needs to build meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships with Traditional Owners of the lands and seas where renewable energy infrastructure projects will be built. Proponents and developers of projects must engage with and foster truly collaborative relationships with First Nations peoples, throughout both the development and operational phases of projects.
It is also essential that our people and communities are equipped to manage and explore the emerging opportunities in First Nations-led clean energy development and industry partnerships, as well as understanding the risks.
Held over two days, the Powering Up Workshop - Transitioning to clean energy in partnership with First Nations’ people was delivered by the First Nations Clean Energy Network in partnership with the Clean Energy Council to new and old friends of the Network.
Together, they discussed what participation and benefit-sharing means for Country and community, and looked at potential economic opportunities -- and the challenges that come with it.
The Geraldton region (or Mid West) has significant energy developments proposed, with workshop participants gaining vital information about the pipeline and exploring policy, regulatory and investment settings and pathways for First Nations consent and partnership to shape renewable energy projects that deliver benefits for our people.
Additional Powering Up Workshops are planned, this time targeting Queensland and Victoria.
We’ll share more information, including additional workshop dates, locations, and registration details soon.
Stay tuned, and join us in shaping a clean energy future together.