UNSW researchers to lead renewable energy pilot project in NSW’s Central-West Orana

Aboriginal lands and the transition to green energy

In a recent research report for the Australian Institute of Public Policy, researchers from UNSW Sydney and UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures identified how Aboriginal land could support renewable energy transition while generating social and economic benefits for Aboriginal communities.  

“Aboriginal Land Councils manage extensive land holdings, many of which are ideally suited for renewable energy developments such as solar and wind,” says project co-lead Professor Heidi Norman, who is Director of the Indigenous Land and Justice Research Group at UNSW Sydney and descendant of the Gomeroi people from North-West New South Wales.

“With the right policy frameworks and support, Aboriginal communities – organising through their land councils – can play a transformative role in Australia’s energy transition.”

Tim Stevenson, Senior Program Coordinator at Energy Co, explains, “This initiative directly responds to the call from the Central West Orana Aboriginal Working Group for capacity-building support to engage meaningfully in the renewable energy transition.

“We want to equip land councils with accessible information, geospatial analysis of their land estate, and technical expertise to shape their energy futures and unlock the benefits of strategic partnerships."

The expo will feature:

• An introduction to renewable energy, including how the industry operates, its opportunities, benefits and other considerations.  

• Exploration of opportunities to host renewable energy projects on Aboriginal land

• Identification of jobs, training, and skills development pathways

• Discussion of economic development options for Aboriginal land, including ownership and equity participation in projects

• Opportunities to hear directly from Aboriginal communities about their priorities, goals, and needs across the Central West Orana region 

• Networking opportunities with renewable energy proponents and industry stakeholders

“The work of the Indigenous Land and Justice Research Group exemplifies how universities can walk alongside Aboriginal communities in ways that are grounded in respect, reciprocity and societal impact,” says UNSW Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor and Worimi/Biripi woman, Professor Leanne Holt. “Workshops adopt a 'knowledge exchange approach', where Indigenous knowledge is fundamental and community priorities guide research and the exploration of options in renewable energy transition.”

The Indigenous Land and Justice Research Group is led by Professor Heidi Norman a descendant of the Gomeroi people of north-western NSW. She is a leading researcher in the field of Australian Aboriginal political history, the Director of the Indigenous Land and Justice Research Group and recently contributed to the development of the Australian Government’s First Nations Clean Energy Strategy. She serves on the NSW Renewable Energy Board and First Nations Clean Energy Network.