A Yued Heritage Protection Agreement with a third Renewable Energy Developer in 2025 demonstrates the growing demand WA's clean energy transition is putting on the State's Traditional Owners to respond.
Yued Aboriginal Corporation, representing Yued interests across the coastal MidWest and inland, said on Monday it is working with companies like Neoen Australia to ensure that Yued people are taking part in and benefiting from the significant investment planned to occur on their lands and waters.
The Yued Heritage Protection Agreement (YHPA) establishes the processes by which consideration is given to activities planned by project proponents. Under a YHPA, proponents submit their planned Activity Notice which is considered by YAC's Cultural Advice Committee (CAC). The CAC then provides advice to YAC's management team on how to best ensure that cultural heritage is identified and protected.
Yued Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Rewi Lyall said an international company like Neoen Australia knows that having "strong relationships with Traditional Owners is a globally important standard of corporate conduct".
"The Yued Heritage Protection Agreement delivers certainty and ensures its workers and contractors don't inadvertently harm Yued cultural heritage," he said.
"This commitment to heritage protection is a good start. We look forward to working with Neoen Australia towards an agreed path forward together."
Neoen Australia Head of Engagement Lisa Stiebel said the company values its partnership with the Yued Aboriginal Corporation and recognises that "genuine collaboration with Traditional Owners is essential".
"The Yued Heritage Protection Agreement reflects a shared commitment to protecting cultural heritage and provides clarity and confidence for all parties, ensuring that workers and contractors operate in alignment in the protection of Yued cultural heritage," she said.