First Nations engagement guide for the renewables industry
The first ever comprehensive national guide on meaningful engagement, consent, participation and benefit-sharing with First Nations people on renewable energy projects is being launched today.
Share this guide
22 Feb 2024
This new guide sets out expectations for industry and details key considerations for engagement at each stage of a project’s lifecycle.
Co-authored by the Clean Energy Council and KPMG, Leading Principles: First Nations and Renewable Energy Projects puts into operation all ten of the First Nations Clean Energy Network’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Best Practice Principles for Clean Energy Projects.
Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Kane Thornton said the intention of the guide is to ensure respect for the rights of First Nations peoples and improved outcomes for communities.
Australia’s clean energy sector has identified the need for stronger engagement and relationships with First Nations peoples.
Kane ThorntonCEO, Clean Energy Council
“We are proud to partner with the First Nations Clean Energy Network and KPMG to forge a path ahead for Australia’s clean energy industry to work hand in hand with First Nations communities.“With proper practices in place, the essential work of the energy transition will not only accelerate Australia towards achieving its targets but provide First Nations Australians with an opportunity to be heard and play a crucial role in a defining economic shift for the country.”
KPMG Indigenous Services Lead, Glen Brennan, said that today’s launch of the guide marks a significant milestone in unifying industry and First Nations peoples.“First Nations communities have an intrinsic relationship with the natural environment and understanding of sustainable land cultivation and management through traditional knowledge and practices,” Brennan said.“As Australia moves forward with meeting its environmental, energy and emissions reduction commitments, it will be critical that the renewable energy sector includes and acknowledges the perspectives of First Nations peoples through meaningful engagement, obtaining consent, partnerships, equity and ownership opportunities.”First Nations Clean Energy Network co-chair, Karrina Nolan said First Nations are central to the Australian Government’s plan for the renewables roll out.“The guide provides a new template for governments, industry and First Nations communities to work together towards the shared goal of more affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for all,” Nolan said.
“Meaningful engagement with First Nations communities leading to energy partnerships, equity and ownership opportunities stands to maximise community support for projects, increase opportunities for local employment and businesses, and deliver stronger outcomes for sustainability and energy security.“The rights, interests and aspirations of First Nations peoples must be front and centre to achieve a just clean energy transformation, minimising risks, costs and delays for renewable energy projects being planned, developed and operated on country.“And it's something which must be done in partnership with industry. This guide can help with that.“
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Submission to ACT Emergency Backstop Consultation Paper
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government on the ACT Emergency Backstop Capability Consultation Paper.
$58 billion of clean energy investment, 42,000 jobs foregone by 2030 under Coalition plan
At least $58 billion worth of new private investment in clean energy would be wiped from Australia’s economy, with more than 42,000 full-time equivalent jobs and billions of dollars in community benefits at risk if renewable energy is capped at 54 per cent of Australia’s electricity mix under the Coalition’s energy agenda, new modelling has found.
Op-ed: Coalition nuclear power plan risks energy bill meltdown
Is it just me or have we somehow gone back in time? US President Donald Trump is introducing 1960’s era tariffs and isolationist polices that are creating massive global economic risk and uncertainty.
While here at home, the Federal Coalition is proposing to halt private investment in the lowest cost form of energy generation (renewables) and instead focus on the highest cost forms of generation (nuclear and gas) with 1960’s levels of government ownership and taxpayer funding.
Cheaper batteries set to supercharge Aussie rooftop solar savings
Today’s commitment by Federal Labor to provide a 30 per cent discount on the upfront cost of purchasing a home battery, through its Cheaper Home Battery Program, is a significant and welcome cost of living measure that will supercharge energy savings for the four million Aussies with rooftop solar on their homes.
Budget 2025-26: Short-term energy bill relief with renewables on track to lower future power bills
With over 70 per cent of Australians naming cost-of-living as their priority issue in recent polls, the Clean Energy Council has welcomed the additional $150 energy bill rebate for all Australian families and small businesses in this years’ Federal Budget.
While this short-term relief will be welcomed by Australians, the Clean Energy Council continues to call for a national home battery program that will deliver long-term reductions in power prices.
