Traditional Owners and SunCable sign landmark 70-year agreement to build Australia’s largest solar farm

In a multi-million-dollar agreement to build the biggest solar farm in Australia, multi-generational wealth will be brought to Traditional Owners who hold native title over the earmarked land area of Powell Creek Station.

The agreement will deliver major economic benefits through jobs, training pathways and local business opportunities in a very remote part of the Northern Territory.

Stringent environmental protection and cultural heritage preservation are also included, so cultural knowledge and connections to land will be protected and will continued to be passed down through generations.

SunCable first approached the Northern Land Council in 2019, and soon after engaged with Traditional Owners about its interests in parts of Powell Creek Station.

In 2022 SunCable identified the land area it wanted to use, and negotiations began with Traditional Owners about options for a land use agreement.

It has been a lengthy process of negotiations between SunCable and more than 200 Traditional Owners, over the last three years.

The agreement has also been a massive logistical effort from NLC, undertaking over 70 consultations to meet and bring together many families across Darwin, Katherine, Elliott, Tennant Creek and other remote locations where people live.

This is a significant deal that NLC, Traditional Owners and SunCable were able to negotiate, and an example of how large-scale energy projects can be developed in partnership with Aboriginal communities who want to shape their economic future while continuing to live and work on country.

Quotes attributable to Northern Land Council Chairman Matthew Ryan:

“The Northern Land Council is proud to have negotiated this deal with Suncable on behalf of the Traditional Owners of Janigirulu, Bamayu and Walanypirri.

“It sends a clear message that the Northern Territory is open for business. This demonstrates that Aboriginal Territorians are leading the way by participating in genuine engagement with big business.

“This is about strengthening self-determination, building sustainable communities, and contributing to the long-term economic viability of the Northern Territory.

“Over the years the NLC has facilitated a number of successful business ventures with Traditional Owners in the Barkly and we look forward to promoting more opportunities towards creating a prosperous future for everyone in the Northern Territory.”

Quotes attributable to SunCable Chief Executive Officer Ryan Willemsen-Bell:

“Today’s signing of the Indigenous Land Use Agreement marks the beginning of an enduring partnership between SunCable, the Northern Land Council and the Powell Creek Native Title Holders to develop this transformative renewable energy project in the Northern Territory.”

“This agreement is a symbol of partnership, of shared vision, and of mutual respect.”

“SunCable is developing one of the largest renewable energy projects in the region, designed to harness the Northern Territory’s world-class solar resource to deliver reliable, cost-effective renewable electricity to industrial customers in the Northern Territory and South-East Asia.

“The ILUA is the result of years of dialogue, negotiation and trust-building. It ensures that the voices of Native Title Holders are not only heard but are central to the development of this project. Throughout the years, SunCable has listened carefully to shape a comprehensive agreement that recognises the importance of Native Title rights and interest that will deliver long term benefits.”

ADDITIONAL QUOTES:

Quotes attributable to Walanypirri Traditional Owner Peter Henderson

“Culture and country is really important to us. This deal shows how strong our Native Title is.

“We hope other TOs can also stand together and negotiate agreements to bring business on their country, just like us.”

Quotes attributable to Bamayu Traditional Owner Linda Benson

“We hope this deal can help to improve Elliott, so our families can live and work on country."