The Victorian government has named successful Traditional Owner Corporations as grant recipients for renewable energy projects.
Eight Traditional Owner Corporations were announced as successful recipients of the state’s $1.1 million fund for renewable energy.
This year’s grant recipients include the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Wurundjeri Land & Compensation Cultural Heritage Council Aboriginal Corporation, First People of Millewa-Mallee Aboriginal Corporation, Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation, Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, Victoria’s minister for energy, environment and climate change Lily D’Ambrosio and minister for aboriginal affairs Gabrielle Williams said the initiative was part of the governments’ commitment to ‘support Aboriginal participation and adoption of new energy technologies, boost skills and help fuel a clean energy driven economic recovery’.
“This program means that Aboriginal communities can harness renewable energy, save money on bills and help meet our goal of halving the state’s emissions by 2030,” D’Ambrosio said.
The successful projects aim to support Aboriginal adoption of new energy technologies, boost skills and foster Victoria’s clean energy economy with initiatives such as installation of solar panels in their local communities.
Williams said that the program was an important step in achieving Aboriginal self-determination because Indigenous communities needed to be central to decision-making processes that affected their lives.
“These renewable energy projects are all about empowering Traditional Owners and supporting self-determination,” she added.
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