An Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) and a Relationship and Benefits Agreement have been signed by Central Queensland Power (CQP) and the Darumbal People Aboriginal Corporation for the Moah Creek Wind Farm site.
Collectively, the two agreements are expected to deliver opportunities and benefits to the Darumbal People for generations to come.
At the signing of the agreements, CQP Director, Steve Oswald, congratulated the parties on reaching such a significant milestone.
“Our discussions with the Darumbal People have built a shared vision for the project and mutual respect between the parties involved.
“This emphasis on understanding the cultural values of the Darumbal People is crucial for ensuring that the benefits provided align with their long-term goals and aspirations which has been demonstrated with the range of benefits provided under the agreement”, Mr Oswald said.
Partnerships Lead for CQP, Rosie King, said it was important to CQP to partner with the Darumbal from the early stages of the project that will be built on their Country.
“The transition to renewable energy that is underway in Queensland must occur fairly for First Nations people and their communities,” Ms King said.
“The agreements provide a pathway for the wind farm to deliver enduring economic and social benefits to the Darumbal, as well as recognition and preservation of their cultural heritage and values.”
CQP said that the Moah Creek Wind Farm is the first in a portfolio of up to 2.3GW of wind and solar projects to progress in Central Queensland under a partnership between CQP and CleanCo that is expected to unlock enough clean energy to power more than 1.5 million Queensland homes.
CleanCo General Manager, Julie Whitcombe, said that the company is committed to collaborating with First Nations Peoples to build meaningful partnerships that deliver long-term benefits and reflect the cultural values of those communities.
“We are delighted to see CQP and the Darumbal People Aboriginal Corporation reach an agreement that will create opportunities and deliver benefits to the Darumbal People now and into the future.
“Agreements like this represent the way forward for projects that not only drive Queensland’s renewable energy future but also respect and recognise the rights and aspirations of First Nations communities,” Ms Whitcombe said.
Darumbal People Aboriginal Corporation Director, Malcolm Mann, said, “Darumbal looks forward to this development with CQP and have journeyed over a couple of years to get to this agreed point.
“It was not easy and yet we worked through to this milestone agreement that we can all take time to celebrate. This agreement is an example for other developments to follow on Darumbal country of how to do business with Traditional Owners. Darumbal looks forward to working with CQP in the construction and operation phases that support our broader community’s energy needs.”
