New South Wales' Nari Nari Tribal Council has been advised by Dentons, the world's largest law firm, on its equity investment in the proposed Wilan Wind Farm.
The Wilan Wind Farm, a partnership between the Nari Nari Tribal Council, Kilara Energy and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, is proposed for the NSW Riverina area within the South-West Renewable Energy Zone.
It is set to feature up to 75 wind turbines, capable of producing up to 500 MW, enough to power up to 470,000 homes.
Chair of the Nari Nari Tribal Council, Jamie Woods, said the council is dedicated to securing a sustainable future for the Nari Nari people, focusing on financial stability and the skills needed to manage their land.
"Nari Nari Tribal Council is committed to ensuring future generations of Nari Nari people can live, work and care for our Country," he said.
"We need to have a sustainable financial base and the skills to manage our country."
The Nari Nari Tribal Council, the traditional custodians of the lands known as Gayini in the north of the project area, is a key partner in the project.
"Partnering with Kilara and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners provides the opportunity for substantial wealth creation for NNTC," Mr Woods said.
"It will enable knowledge and skills our next generation need to participate in large scale development projects and build relationships for Nari Nari people into the future."
The Dentons team is led by Real Estate Partner Matthew Geary and Corporate Partner John Mollard, with assistance from Managing Associate Kurt Tiam.
Mr Geary said the project is a game changing renewable energy project in Australia.
"It is based on active participation by the Traditional Owners in a way that ensures the Nari Nari people retain autonomy, a real level of control over Country, receive valuable training and have an active equity stake in the successful outcome of the project - rather than being a passive landholder receiving only rental income," he said.
Dentons' support for the proposed renewables project on the Gayini property will bring significant benefits to the Nari Nari people.
The unique investment model established will facilitate genuine participation, wealth creation, and ownership.
Dentons previously advised the Nari Nari Tribal Council on a landmark Conservation Agreement with the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust.
This agreement involves the management and protection of over 55,000 hectares of internationally significant wetlands on Gayini in southwestern New South Wales.
A virtual engagement room is available to view on the Wilan Wind Farm website.