The State Government has developed the Sectoral emissions reduction strategy for Western Australia (SERS), to explore robust and credible pathways for WA. This provides tangible actions for reducing emissions consistent with the State Government’s target of net zero emissions by 2050, following extensive engagement. The net zero transition provides an important opportunity to empower Aboriginal people, regionally based individuals, small businesses and communities through community-owned renewable projects, partnerships with industry and job opportunities.
Initiatives in the SERS respond to feedback from Aboriginal groups, and support the capacity of Aboriginal people to engage in clean energy projects and share in the benefits of decentralised renewable energy solutions. This includes:
- Aboriginal-led carbon farming projects to deliver a broad range of social, cultural and economic benefits to Aboriginal communities while supporting environmental outcomes
- augmenting the Green Energy Approvals Initiative to include criteria that promote Aboriginal empowerment (including equity partnership)
- providing $3 million to enable Traditional Owner groups to procure information and services required to establish an informed position on Pilbara Energy Transformation initiatives and projects
- considering ways to support Aboriginal leadership in clean energy projects across WA
- delivering a $19.9 million program, co‑funded with the Australian Government, to deliver clean energy solutions for regional and remote households including:
- the Kimberley Communities Solar Program delivered in partnership with Aboriginal communities in Beagle Bay, Djarindjin/Lombadina, Ardyaloon, Bidyadanga and Warmun to support decentralised renewable energy solutions in remote Aboriginal communities, saving households about $450 each in annual energy costs.
Other opportunities to contribute to climate action planning include through the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation’s Clean Energy Future Fund such as:
- clean energy projects led by Aboriginal people that put their communities at the centre of development, design, implementation, and benefit-sharing
- innovative clean energy projects in regional and remote WA
- clean energy projects that support the replacement of diesel electricity generation with renewable energy.
Beyond emissions reduction, the fund assesses other benefits including:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander benefits such as employment, economic independence or other outcomes
- improved electricity supply to remote communities.
The Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy – Western Australia 2021–2029 recognises that native title, cultural heritage, land management, natural resources and the regulation of land use – including for the delivery of renewable energy – all have important implications for Aboriginal people. Aboriginal people must be empowered to freely determine their economic, social and cultural development in relation to clean energy transformation.
Read the Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy and the SERS to find out more.
