Co-designing the First Nations benefit-sharing program
Spark Renewables is developing the Dinawan Energy Hub, consisting of a wind farm, solar farm and battery storage system, located approximately 30 kilometres south of Coleambally and 30 kilometres north of Jerilderie in NSW.
Building on relationships established with the support of our Aboriginal Community Engagement Coordinator, Shaurntae Lyons, a Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta woman, Spark Renewables is co-designing a First Nations benefit-sharing program, including the Aboriginal Benefit Fund.
Central to Spark Renewables’ benefit-sharing approach is the principle of self-determination. The major initiatives proposed to key groups within the community have been informed by suggestions from local Aboriginal community members and have received strong community support.
The Dinawan Aboriginal Benefit Fund will have a governance structure that reflects agreed principles and appropriately represents local Aboriginal stakeholders.
Spark Renewables continues to listen to community members and explore opportunities that can deliver long-term and sustainable benefits.
The Aboriginal Benefit Fund will commence at construction of the first stage of the Dinawan Wind Farm, which will involve the installation of 357 megawatts of wind generation capacity over a three-year construction period, followed by a 30-year operational phase. Over this period, the Fund will distribute $927,754 to support local community initiatives.
Commitments to the Aboriginal Benefit Fund also include $909,563 from stage two of the Dinawan Wind Farm over a 33-year period, and $707,625 from the Dinawan Solar Hybrid Farm over a 37-year period.
Internview with Shaurntae Lyons about future opportunities in renewable energy
Representatives from local Aboriginal communities will be involved in determining funding allocations, guided by the following principles:
- Recognition that cultural knowledge and responsibilities may be held differently by men and women, with balanced representation and input sought to reflect these differences.
- Clear processes for identifying and managing potential conflicts of interest.
- Diverse representation from Aboriginal communities across the fund’s geographical area.