Renewable energy developers pursuing projects across Yued Boodja continue to demonstrate industry leadership by recognising and supporting Yued Aboriginal Corporation's important work in protecting Yued cultural heritage, with OX2 signing Yued Heritage Protection Agreements for its proposed Dinner Hill Wind Farm and Harvest BESS projects.
The year is shaping up to increase in intensity of work again on the already busy 2025, and Yued Aboriginal Corporation says it is "gearing up to meet the challenge".
"With more jobs on offer for Yued in the months ahead, the agreement with OX2 promises to ensure that critical areas of cultural heritage significance are cared for and protected," the organisation said in a statement on Friday.
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 has struck several heritage protection agreements with companies in recent times, including nbn Co, Carbon Positive Australia, Neoen Australia, Alinta Energy, Chalice Mining and H2EX, as well as its first heritage agreement with a local government - signed with the Shire of Chittering last month.
On Friday, Yued Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Rewi Lyall said "heritage protection isn't hard and is nothing to be feared".
"We are working collaboratively, with mutual respect, with companies pursuing development objectives across Yued Boodja," he said.
OX2 Australia vice president, Stephen Symons, said the company partnering with Yued Aboriginal Corporation through the Heritage Protection Agreement "reflects OX2's commitment to developing projects in a way that respects Yued cultural heritage".
"The YHPA framework gives us a clear, respectful process to follow, and we thank YAC for their guidance," he said.
"We look forward to continuing to build a strong relationship with the Yued community as we progress projects that not only provide clean energy but also contribute to regional jobs and long-term value."
