Two solar-battery and storage projects have been installed in Victoria through the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
The Victorian Government provided funding for the project through its $1.1 million Traditional Owner Renewable Energy Program.
The State Government said it is supporting self-determination and economic independence by putting these renewable energy projects directly in the hands of Indigenous Australian community groups across Victoria.
Under the program, the Corporation installed two integrated solar energy generation and storage systems − a 15kW-48kWH solar-battery system in Ballan and a 7.4kW-13kWh system in Ballarat.
The renewable energy system is providing a sustainable, clean energy source that reduces the Corporation’s associated energy costs and will reduce carbon emissions by 45t per year.
The Traditional Owner Renewable Energy Program is designed to support Aboriginal participation and adoption of new energy technologies, boost skills and help fuel a clean energy-driven economic recovery with grants of up to $100,000 available to Traditional Owner Corporations.
Other Traditional Owner Corporations that have received funding under the program include:
- 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
- Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation
The State Government has acknowledged the right to self-determination and recognises that only when Aboriginal people 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.
