Traditional company Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DJAARA) has successfully launched its solar battery project backed by the state’s Traditional Owner Renewable Energy Program (TOREP).
DJAARA installed a 32.4-kW solar system and 14 kW per hour battery on the Dja Dja Wurrung Corporate and Community Centre.
The renewable energy system is expected to reduce DJAARA’s energy costs and reliance on the grid as it provides clean energy and cuts carbon emissions.
The new solar-battery project is part of the company’s Nyuawi Mutjeka renewable energy strategy, which pledges to reverse historical harms and pursue opportunities for renewable energy production and consumption that protects and supports Djaara and Djandak.
“Congratulations to DJAARA for Nyuawi Mutjeka – an historic renewable energy strategy and solar-battery project, set to slash energy bills and emissions while advancing self-determination and economic independence,” Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio said.
“We are proud to have helped fund DJAARA’s inaugural solar-battery project and are grateful for their engagement with Victoria’s Traditional Owner Renewable Energy Program,” D’Ambrosio added.
The Victorian government’s TOREP is designed to support Aboriginal participation and the adoption of new energy technologies. The program also seeks to boost skills and foster a green economic recovery with grants of up to $100,000.
TOREP is the first renewable energy grant program tailored for registered Aboriginal parties, with DJAARA’s project being its second project ever completed.
The program allocates $1.1 million in funds to help Aboriginal parties self-determine how they want to be part of Victoria’s renewable energy transition, the Victorian government said in a statement.
