The Victorian government is supporting Traditional Owners to increase clean energy capability and leadership as part of the inaugural First Peoples Adoption of Renewable Energy Program.
On Friday the state's Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D'Ambrosio, announced $960,000 in clean energy grants to be made available to Traditional Owner Corporations to deliver renewable energy projects to benefit their community.
Ms D'Ambrosio said the government is "working with Traditional Owners to enable them to shape how clean energy is developed in their communities, protecting country while delivering clean power, jobs and economic opportunities".
The projects could include installing solar panels, developing feasibility studies, and undertaking businesses cases for future community-owned renewable energy generation.
The First Peoples Adoption of Renewable Energy Program (FPARE) Program is building renewable energy capacity and capability for Traditional Owner Corporations and Aboriginal communities through "education and awareness, information-sharing programs, and support for the development of projects, plans that builds renewable energy capacity", the state government said.
Projects could develop Traditional Owner corporation-specific energy initiatives, create resources to share energy knowledge and assist in accessing government programs, as well as build on projects funded under the previous Traditional Owner Renewable Energy Program.
The Victorian government said it "acknowledges 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".
Victoria's Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Gabrielle Williams, said the government is "proud to be helping Traditional Owners harness new renewable energy opportunities and share in the jobs and cost saving benefits".
Applications for grants up to $50,000 will be available to both Registered Aboriginal Parties and non-formally recognised Traditional Owner Corporations.
Submissions close 28 April, more information and applications are available online.
