Five Traditional Owner Corporations (TOCs) have been awarded a share of $450,000 in Victorian Government grants to develop renewable energy and emission reductions projects.
The five TOCs were awarded either $75,000 and $100,000 grants as part of the first round of the Victorian Government’s First Peoples Adoption of Renewable Energy (FPARE) program. TOCs have mapped out innovative plans to benefit from Victoria’s energy transformation and will use this funding to put those plans into action.
Projects include:
- Piloting an energy generation agreement with a host business site
- Supporting the transition to electric vehicles
- Developing a renewable energy statement
- Providing dedicated staff to lead renewable energy initiatives
The FPARE program has built on the inaugural Traditional Owner Renewable Energy Program (TOREP), incorporating feedback from TOCs to address gaps and support their priorities under renewable energy interests.
The successful applicants are:
- Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
- Djaara (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation)
- First People of Millewa-Mallee Aboriginal Corporation
- Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation
- Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation
The program allows projects to develop TOC-specific energy initiatives, create resources to share energy knowledge and assist in accessing government programs, as well as build on projects funded under the TOREP program.
The Victorian Government acknowledged the right to self-determination and recognised that only when First Peoples are central to the decision-making processes that affect their lives, will sustained and long-term changes in wellbeing and the health of Country be achieved.
Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily Ms D’Ambrosio said, “We’re working with Traditional Owners to shape how renewable energy is developed in their communities, protecting Country while delivering renewable power, jobs and economic opportunities.”
Victorian Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Gabrielle Williams, said, “Traditional Owners are leading the way in Victoria’s transition to renewable energy, bringing benefits to their communities, the environment and all Victorians.”
