First Nations gathering in Bendigo pushes equity deals as Victoria races to renewables

First Nations leaders and clean energy experts have gathered on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in Bendigo to share strategies for equity participation in renewable projects, as Victoria accelerates its shift away from coal and towards large‑scale renewables and storage.

The Victoria First Nations Clean Energy Gathering, hosted by the First Nations Clean Energy Network, brought together Traditional Owners, Aboriginal land councils, organisations and community members for a single‑day forum focused on project negotiations, planning and policy settings. The network says the event featured more than a dozen speakers and drew participants from across Australia and overseas.

Wiradjuri woman Tegan Miller, the network’s Victorian policy and engagement lead, said one of the strengths of the gathering was “bringing in other community members who are already driving and benefiting from their own projects”.

Miller said examples of equity participation (including projects involving Wambal Bila in New South Wales and the Barngarla in South Australia) showed that “what communities want is achievable”. The gathering also heard from Canadian partners who highlighted economic development and employment gains when projects are community‑run.

The discussions come as Victoria ramps up legislated renewable energy targets, including a goal of 65 per cent by 2030 and 95 per cent by 2035, alongside new offshore wind and energy storage targets. With new transmission lines, wind projects and grid‑scale batteries proposed across the state, many Traditional Owners and advocates say genuine consent, shared decision‑making and long‑term economic participation should be built into project design.

One model frequently cited in equity discussions is the Bulabul Battery partnership near Wellington in central west NSW. A case study published by the First Nations Clean Energy Network says the local Aboriginal community negotiated “a right (but not an obligation) to acquire a 5% equity stake” through a call option, giving time to secure finance while the project is built.

Advocates say approaches like that can shift the clean energy transition from a source of conflict to an opportunity for self‑determination, provided communities have access to legal, financial and technical support and developers and governments are prepared to share risk and reward.

The network says the Bendigo gathering was designed to strengthen those capabilities, build partnerships and help Victorian First Nations groups shape the next wave of clean energy projects on their lands and waters.