A new network to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples play a central role in developing the renewables sector has been launched in Alice Springs today
The First Nations Clean Energy Network will support First Nations communities and business enterprises to manage clean energy projects, from small community projects to large-scale, export focussed initiatives.
The Network will also pursue policy reform, and advocate for the renewables sector to protect sacred sites as well as include Indigenous businesses.
A key initiator of the network and Executive Director of Original Power, Karrina Nolan, says, “The Network will ensure First Nations people are key players as Australia’s clean energy industry grows”
Lesly Schultz, who is a Ngadju Traditional Owner, Chair of Ngadju Conservation Aboriginal Corporation says he wants remote communities in Western Australia and throughout the lands to have First Nations people lead in having safe power options.
More from Mr Schultz and Ms Nolan below.
Philippe also spoke to Norman Jupurrurla Frank (pictured above), a Warumungu traditional owner from Tennant Creek who is spearheading a project to integrate rooftop solar with pre-payment meters in town camps.
He says that while there has been promising interest from town camps in Tennant Creek, he is waiting on co-operation from Power and Water Corporation to be able to switch his solar panels on.
David McCormack (pictured above) from Yuelamu was also at a forum held at the Desert Knowledge precinct which launched the network and also spoke about his ideas for renewables in his community.