The two communities are connected to Country around Darwin and Katherine, with the combined area of this Country being equivalent in size to 25 percent of the UK land mass. This also includes Australia's closest major port to Asia, one critical for hydrogen export potential.
The agreements with Larrakia Nation and Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation (Jawoyn) detail how renewable energy projects can be developed in partnership with First Nations communities to include co-ownership of projects, job creation, and skills training for the emerging green sector.
These landmark agreements, endorsed by the Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network, were signed by representatives from Desert Springs Octopus, Jawoyn and Larrakia Nation.
Desert Springs Octopus has been created to lead the way on renewable energy projects that are developed on Country, by walking with community to co-design Australia's energy future in the spirit of self-determination and reconciliation. This is done with a shared vision for Country and an acknowledgement of the restorative importance of this initiative for First Nations peoples.
The company will work with Jawoyn and Larrakia Nation, to take advantage of the Territory's excellent renewable energy resource by pursuing a near-term A$1billion investment opportunity. This will provide grid connected renewable energy along the Darwin-Katherine Electricity System, with the potential to be backed by Government, Defence and mining offtake. The future will see Desert Springs Octopus and First Nations community partners pursue development of green hydrogen projects, which are a key driver of the Northern Territory Government's ambition for a A$40 billion economy by 2030. They aim to achieve this by leveraging the significant land, natural renewable energy resources and access to Northern Territory export infrastructure.
“Larrakia Nation, which represents the Traditional Owners of the greater Darwin region, is ready to jump into this partnership with Desert Springs Octopus” said Michael Rotumah, CEO of Larrakia Nation. “We are grateful that Desert Springs Octopus heard our ambitions and aspirations to unlock our own economic independence and support more Larrakia people to create intergenerational wealth. We are looking forward to being a genuine partner in this exciting project that aligns with our values of protecting and caring for Country.”
For additional information:
