The New South Wales government is advancing plans for the state’s inaugural renewable energy zone (REZ) in the Central-West Orana region, with workshops set to build capacity among Local Aboriginal Land Councils and Aboriginal organisations to engage in the growing renewable energy sector.
The REZ, covering approximately 20,000 square kilometres on the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri, Wailwan, and Kamilaroi peoples, aims to integrate renewable energy projects such as wind and solar farms with energy storage solutions like batteries, connecting them to the electricity network.
In partnership with EnergyCo, UNSW’s Indigenous Land and Justice Research Group will lead a series of five Powershift workshops during July and August.
These sessions will provide community members with geospatial analysis of their land estates and essential information to foster meaningful participation in renewable energy development.
Tim Stevenson, Senior Program Coordinator at EnergyCo, explained the initiative’s importance, stating: “This initiative directly responds to the call from the Central West Orana Aboriginal Working Group for capacity-building support to engage meaningfully in the renewable energy transition.
“We want to equip land councils with accessible information, geospatial analysis of their land estate, and technical expertise to shape their energy futures and unlock the benefits of strategic partnerships.”
Following these workshops, a regional expo will be held on 4 September 2025 at the Dubbo Convention Centre in coordination with EnergyCo’s First Nation Coordination and Outcomes Team.
The expo will cover a broad range of topics, including renewable energy fundamentals, opportunities for hosting projects on Aboriginal lands, jobs and training pathways, and economic development options such as ownership and equity participation in projects.
Professor Heidi Norman, Director of the Indigenous Land and Justice Research Group and a Gomeroi descendant, highlighted the potential of Aboriginal lands in the nation’s energy future, stating: “Aboriginal Land Councils manage extensive land holdings, many of which are ideally suited for renewable energy developments such as solar and wind.
“With the right policy frameworks and support, Aboriginal communities – organising through their land councils – can play a transformative role in Australia’s energy transition.”
Professor Leanne Holt, UNSW Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor and Worimi/Biripi woman, praised the approach of the workshops, stating: “The work of the Indigenous Land and Justice Research Group exemplifies how universities can walk alongside Aboriginal communities in ways that are grounded in respect, reciprocity and societal impact.
“Workshops adopt a ‘knowledge exchange approach’, where Indigenous knowledge is fundamental and community priorities guide research and the exploration of options in renewable energy transition.”
Recent research by UNSW and UTS researchers for the Australian Institute of Public Policy underscores how Aboriginal land can support renewable energy while generating significant social and economic benefits for Aboriginal communities.
Key upcoming events include:
- Five Powershift workshops throughout July and August, delivering tailored geospatial and industry knowledge to Local Aboriginal Land Councils.
- The 4 September 2025 regional expo at the Dubbo Convention Centre, open to the Aboriginal community, offering networking opportunities with renewable energy proponents and detailed discussions of pathways to increase Aboriginal participation in the REZ as landholders, consumers, business owners, and project partners.
These initiatives align with aspirations outlined in the First Nations Guidelines, driving inclusive and respectful engagement in NSW’s transition towards sustainable energy.
