Aboriginal communities gain real power in South Australia's renewable boom
South Australia passed the first law requiring renewable energy companies to negotiate fairly with Aboriginal communities.
Why it matters
The law shifts bargaining power towards Aboriginal communities for the first time. Now they have real leverage to protect their land and culture.
In Australia. Australia's green energy push now includes binding legal obligations to Aboriginal communities, a model other states may follow as renewable projects expand.
Key facts
- 26
- Native title holders consulted
- 5,200 square kilometres
- Gawler Ranges native title area
- 6
- Towns using Great Matters Guide
- South Australia's law came from 18 months of talks with 26 native title holders.
- It protects Aboriginal interests in major green energy projects.
- Four renewable projects with proposed 13 GW capacity were selected for the Whyalla region.
- Two more companies have been shortlisted for the Gawler Ranges area.
- The area covers 5,200 square kilometres of native title land.
- Dr John Binda Reid, a Kokatha and Wirangu man, created the Great Matters Guide.
- It is a set of standards that gives Aboriginal communities tools to keep sacred sites, sacred waterholes and cultural heritage safe.
- Six regional towns now use the guide.
- It has been used in mining deals and carbon farming projects.
