Traditional Owner Corporations (TOCs), including those in Melton and Moorabool, would soon be able to increase their clean energy capability, thanks to the state government’s inaugural First Peoples Adoption of Renewable Energy (FPARE) program.
Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio recently announced $960,000 in clean energy grants will be made available to TOCs deliver renewable energy projects for their communities, including installing solar panels, developing feasibility studies and undertaking businesses cases for future community-owned renewable energy generation.
The program would also aim to deliver education and increase awareness, provide information-sharing programs, and support the development of projects and plans which build renewable energy capacity.
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).
Applications for grants up to $50,000 would be available to both Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) and non-formally recognised TOCs.
Ms D’Ambrosio said the program would help protect the country while delivering clean power and more jobs and economic opportunities.
“We’re working with Traditional Owners to enable them to shape how clean energy is developed in their communities,” she said.
Submissions close April 28.
Details: energy.vic.gov.au/grants/first-peoples-adoption-of-renewable-energy-program
