A new report has identified the Yamatji Land Estate in Western Australia's Mid-West as a prime location for clean energy development, boasting some of the country's most powerful wind and solar resources.
The "Rapid Assessment Summary Report" - a partnership between Yamatji Southern Regional Corporation and the Australian National University - marks a significant first step in a plan that could bring long-term economic benefits and employment opportunities for the Yamatji Nation.
The project also received support from the Western Australian government's Mid-West Development Commission and Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
The findings provide a pathway for the Yamatji Nation to leverage the Yamatji Land Estate for economic empowerment and self-determination, with plans to establish sustainable businesses and jobs driven by and for the Yamatji community.
Yamatji Southern Regional Corporation CEO Luka Gray said the findings present "a huge opportunity for our people".
"We can create a sustainable future with new businesses and local jobs, ensuring the Yamatji Nation benefits directly from the clean energy transition," she said.
ANU Vice-President (First Nations), Professor Peter Yu, said the project "shows what's possible when First Nations knowledge and academic research come together".
"It's a practical demonstration of what self-determination looks like when communities have access to high-quality data, deep technical partnerships, and a vision for long-term economic transformation. The Yamatji Nation is in a position to lead, creating a model for the rest of the country," he said.
The report highlights the estate's strong competitive advantage, noting that its solar energy quality is six per cent higher than in Boorloo/Perth and its wind energy capacity is 33 per cent stronger than that of existing Australian wind farms.
With these findings, YSRC will now engage with government and industry partners to determine the next steps toward unlocking the full potential of the clean energy opportunity.
The full Rapid Assessment Summary Report is available online.