Horizon inks historic land use agreement in the Kimberley

Smiling Indigenous land holders with Horizon Power representatives on a grassy patch of land under a tree
Horizon Power representatives, alongside Nyul Nyul PBC Aboriginal Corporation Directors, in Beagle Bay

Western Australia’s regional energy provider Horizon Power has signed its first Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) with the Nyul Nyul people of Beagle Bay in the Kimberley.

The agreement, which will support the region’s transition to a clean energy future, allows Horizon Power access to a four-hectare area of land in Beagle Bay for the development of a future energy system that will deliver increased renewable energy for the community.

Related article: Energy bill relief for vulnerable West Kimberley households

The renewable energy development is in its planning stages and is expected to draw on the region’s significant solar resource.

Horizon Power will work with the Nyul Nyul people and the Beagle Bay community as part of that development.

Horizon Power will also provide broader support to the community as part of the agreement, including through installation of airstrip lighting to improve safety for services like the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Horizon Power CEO Stephanie Unwin said, “Signing our first Indigenous Land Use Agreement is a significant milestone for Horizon Power and we look forward to building on our relationship with the Nyul Nyul people and partnering with them on their energy future.

Related article: WA EV Network installs first fast charger in Kimberley

“WA’s transition to a low-carbon economy is a collaborative journey. We are committed to building and delivering energy solutions which balance the demand, reliability and future energy needs of our towns with the voices and opinions of those who help make it a community.

“As a microgrid specialist, Horizon Power understands the need to tailor bespoke energy solutions to meet the unique energy needs of all regional and remote customers. This partnership paves the way for our future energy systems and supports the decarbonisation of some of our most remote Indigenous communities.”

Previous articleThe distribution network of the future: a gigantic uninterruptible power supply?
Next articleCommunity solar and storage project switches on in Victoria