The Victorian Government is providing $960,000 in clean energy grants to Traditional Owner Corporations (TOCs) to support renewable energy projects that will benefit their communities.
The First Peoples Adoption of Renewable Energy (FPARE) program aims to build renewable energy capacity and capability for TOCs and Indigenous communities through education, awareness, information-sharing programs, and support for project development.
The grants can be used for installing solar panels, developing feasibility studies, and undertaking business cases for future community-owned renewable energy generation.
Projects could develop TOC-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 (TOREP).
Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, said, “We’re working with Traditional Owners to enable them to shape how clean energy is developed in their communities, protecting the country while delivering clean power, jobs and economic opportunities.”
The Victorian Government acknowledges the right to self-determination and recognises that only when Indigenous people are central to the decision-making processes that affect their lives, will sustained and long-term changes in wellbeing and the health of the Country be achieved.
Victorian Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Gabrielle Williams, said, “We are 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 (RAPs) and non-formally recognised TOCs.
Submissions close 28 April. To apply or for more information visit energy.vic.gov.au
