The clean energy transition will occur on vast tracts of Australian Traditional Owners’ Country. Much has been written on this trend, yet until now exactly how Traditional Owners are managing and benefiting from large-scale wind, solar and green hydrogen projects on their Country has been known only to the handful of people who negotiate the commercial-in-confidence agreements for these projects.
This seminar presents recently completed qualitative research that looks behind this wall of confidentiality to present startling and very welcome findings, including that, unlike for mining, oil and gas projects, Traditional Owners have a legal veto over large-scale clean energy projects.
Dr Lily O'Neill
Senior Research Fellow, Melbourne Climate Futures
She is a lawyer and legal researcher with a particular focus on how the legal frameworks for renewable energy, nature restoration and climate adaptation can benefit communities. One particular focus is undertaking research that is Traditional Owner-led. Lily is also a writer and presenter on Climate Kids, a show that answers kids’ questions about climate change, and on the board of Protect our Winters Australia. She lives regionally on the country of the Taungurung people in north-east Victoria.
