A first-of-its-kind deal for the South West Native Title Settlement between Yued Aboriginal Corporation, Parron Maam Marang Farm and Perpetual as trustee for the Noongar Boodja Trust will see Noongar Land Estate land developed by a third party in Badgingarra.
The agreement was announced Tuesday.
The 300-bed workers' accommodation facility will be built by the wind farm's owner Atmos Renewables in the south-west of the town, as part of an investment by the company in facilities and infrastructure for the benefit of workers and the community alike.
In consideration for the use of the land, Yued Aboriginal Corporation has secured an option to take 100 per cent ownership of the facility at completion of construction of Parron Maam Marang Farm, projected for late 2028.
Development approval for the facility by the Shire of Dandaragan for a decade means for the majority of its life it will be available for rent by Yued AC to a variety of companies requiring temporary accommodation for their projects.
Other commitments by the company to the community of Badgingarra include a contribution to upgrades to the recreation centre, providing upgraded gym facilities for the use of workers and the community alike.
Yued Aboriginal Corporation chairperson Sharna Meinertz said the organisation is "very pleased to reach agreement with Parron Maam Marang Farm for the Badgingarra Accommodation Facility".
"This agreement is the first of its kind for the South West Native Title Settlement, facilitating access to land in the Noongar Land Estate for development by a third party while retaining ownership by the Noongar Boodja Trust," she said.
"Yued Aboriginal Corporation will have an option to take full possession of the facility at the end of the company's use.
"Over the coming years, we will work to develop our capacity to manage a facility of this kind, so that when the time comes we are hopefully able to manage it and benefit from the revenue it derives."
Atmos Renewables CEO Nigel Baker said the agreement with Yued Aboriginal Corporation to host the construction workforce camp is "a practical example of what we mean by partnership".
"It keeps the benefits of the project on country, supports local jobs and business opportunities for Yued and communities around Badgingarra and the Shire of Dandaragan, and gives us the facilities we need to deliver Parron Maam Marang Farm safely and on time," he said.
Yued Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Rewi Lyall noted that "globally, it is now recognised that the clean energy transition has to provide deeply significant opportunities for First Peoples to participate in this emerging economy".
"Sometimes that may be through developing their own projects, or by obtaining equity with others," he said.
"Where those options aren't available, this agreement demonstrates that willing hearts can find creative ways to promote Yued Nyoongar economic empowerment.
"Each project in Yued Boodja must, similarly, make a significant contribution to achieving that outcome."
