Key Takeaways

• The NSW Government is developing its first Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) in the Central-West Orana region, focusing on capacity-building for Aboriginal communities.
• Five Powershift workshops will take place for Local Aboriginal Land Councils, offering geospatial analysis and support for engagement in renewable energy projects.
• A regional expo on September 4, 2025, will discuss opportunities for Aboriginal participation in the renewable energy sector, including jobs and economic development.

Building Capacity in Aboriginal Communities

The New South Wales (NSW) Government is advancing plans for the state’s inaugural Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) in the Central-West Orana region, aimed at fostering collaboration with local Aboriginal communities. This initiative is being driven by the Indigenous Land and Justice Research Group at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), in partnership with EnergyCo. The goal is to enhance the capacity of Local Aboriginal Land Councils and Aboriginal organizations to engage in the renewable energy transition.

Spanning around 20,000 square kilometers, the REZ encompasses the ancestral lands of the Wiradjuri, Wailwan, and Kamilaroi peoples. It aims to coordinate renewable energy generation projects—such as wind and solar—with energy storage solutions to connect them to the broader electricity network.

In July and August, five Powershift workshops will be conducted specifically for Local Aboriginal Land Councils. These sessions will equip participants with geospatial analysis of their land and vital information to facilitate meaningful interactions with the renewable energy industry.

Also notable is a regional expo planned for September 4, 2025, at the Dubbo Convention Centre, organized alongside EnergyCo’s First Nation Coordination and Outcomes Team. This event is designed to engage the Aboriginal community, discussing various pathways for participation in the REZ. Topics will include roles as energy consumers, landholders, and business partners, with an emphasis on capacity building and aligning with community aspirations as outlined in the First Nations Guidelines.

Opportunities for Economic Development

Recent research from UNSW and the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures indicates that Aboriginal land can significantly contribute to the renewable energy landscape, providing both social and economic benefits. Professor Heidi Norman, project co-lead and a descendant of the Gomeroi people, notes that many landholdings managed by Aboriginal Land Councils are ideally positioned for renewable energy developments.

“With appropriate policies and support, Aboriginal communities can take on a pivotal role in Australia’s energy transition,” Norman emphasizes. Meanwhile, Tim Stevenson, Senior Program Coordinator at EnergyCo, highlights that this initiative reflects the requests of the Central West Orana Aboriginal Working Group for capacity-building assistance to engage effectively in the energy sector.

The upcoming expo will offer a comprehensive overview of renewable energy, including industry operations, job opportunities, training, and pathways for economic development. It will also allow Aboriginal communities to voice their priorities and goals, facilitating networking with industry stakeholders.

Within this framework, UNSW’s Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Leanne Holt, reinforces the principle of mutual respect and community-driven research in partnership with Aboriginal communities. The workshops will adopt a knowledge exchange approach that prioritizes Indigenous knowledge while aligning research efforts with community needs.

Professor Heidi Norman’s biography includes valuable contributions to the development of the Australian Government’s First Nations Clean Energy Strategy. She actively engages with multiple initiatives aimed at enhancing Aboriginal representation and involvement in sustainable energy projects in New South Wales.

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