100 + INNOVATIONS
Researchers Partnering with NSW Aboriginal Land Councils to Realise Rights and Interests in Energy Transition
Shaping Australia’ s clean energy transition
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Research Project
Actively implemented
Challenge
Aboriginal landholders risk exclusion from Australia’ s renewable energy transition despite holding much of the land targeted for projects. Communities face barriers to participation such as limited access to technical advice, resources and policy influence. This hinders the ability for Aboriginal communities to secure benefits from clean energy developments.
Solution
The project co-develops renewable energy strategies with Local Aboriginal Land Councils through workshops, geospatial mapping and research-informed assessment of Aboriginal-owned land. By combining Indigenous knowledge with technical expertise, it equips land councils to plan for the energy transition and determine the best way to participate in renewable energy projects to achieve their desired outcomes. At the policy level, this project has influenced state and national strategies to embed First Nations rights, ensuring systemic inclusion in Australia’ s energy transition.
Target customers / endusers
• Aboriginal Land Councils( primary beneficiaries)
• government and regulatory bodies( policy adoption and beneficiaries through enhanced contribution to achieving net zero targets)
• Aboriginal peak bodies and clean energy industry( stakeholders / advocates).
Progress
• AU $ 500k funding for eight workshops and capacity building with Aboriginal Land Councils
• contributed to the Commonwealth First Nations Clean Energy Strategy and NSW First Nations Guidelines
• progress towards policy recommendations for the NSW Government.
TRL 7
Multidisciplinary team
Climate & Clean Energy
Led by the UNSW Indigenous Land and Justice Research Group, this project empowers Aboriginal communities to shape and benefit from Australia’ s renewable energy transition. Through knowledge exchange workshops, policy advocacy and practical tools, this initiative builds capacity and knowledge within Aboriginal communities to negotiate collective benefits.
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