A new alliance of First Nations groups, clean energy industry bodies, unions and research groups has been established to ensure that Australia’s First Nations share the economic benefits of the booming market for renewable energy projects. 

The First Nations Clean Energy Network, unveiled on Tuesday, will serve as a key forum to support First Nations communities and businesses to partner with clean energy projects while also ensuring the protection of First Nations heritage and respect of native title interests.

Australia’s remote landscapes soak up some of the highest levels of solar irradiation on the planet. And as they also attract increasing interest in the renewable energy bonanza, Indigenous landowners are positioning to power up their communities and a brighter, cleaner future. Jordyn Beazley reports.

As heatwaves become more frequent and extreme due to climate change, the impact on Indigenous Australians struggling with energy poverty is potentially life threatening.

An Indigenous-led initiative, the First Nations Clean Energy Network, is being launched to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities are not left behind as the nation transitions to cheaper renewable energy.

For the full story from 16 November 2021 on RN Breakfast listen here. 

Karrina is a descendant of the Yorta Yorta people, an experienced manager and organiser of complex programs in Aboriginal communities. She has worked as a facilitator, trainer, researcher and strategist alongside First Nations communities for over 25 years. Most recently, Karrina has been building the capacity for self-determination in the context of economic development, climate change and clean energy. She dedicated an Atlantic Fellowship to determining how to best build clean energy projects by and for First Nations people. As a Churchill Fellow, Karrina worked with First Nations women in Canada, the USA and Australia collating lessons to grow women's leadership capacity and engagement in community and civic life.