The Victorian Government is assisting Traditional Owners in increasing their clean energy capability and leadership as part of the inaugural First Peoples Adoption of Renewable Energy (FPARE) Program.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio unveiled $960,000 in clean energy funding for Traditional Owner Corporations (TOCs) to develop renewable energy projects that benefit their community.
“We’re 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,” Minister D’Ambrosio said.
According to the State Government, installing solar panels, conducting feasibility studies, and preparing business cases for future community-owned renewable energy generation could all fall under this category.
“We are proud to be helping Traditional Owners harness new renewable energy opportunities and share in the jobs and cost saving benefits,” Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Gabrielle Williams stated.
The FPARE Program helps TOCs and Aboriginal communities establish renewable energy capacity and capability through education and awareness, information-sharing initiatives, and support for developing projects and strategies that increase renewable energy capacity.
Programs could generate TOC-specific energy projects, resources to share energy knowledge, assistance accessing government programs, and building on prior Traditional Owner Renewable Energy Program (TOREP).
Grant applications of up to $50,000 will be accepted from both Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) and non-formally recognised TOCs.
