YMAC’s experience in Renewable Energy in representative areas

YMAC has been a long-term advocate for economic participation models such as equity ownership to ensure that Traditional Owners can enjoy long-term economic rewards, close involvement in decision-making, and recognition and protection of their unique cultural heritage on Country. The aim is to provide thought leadership, highest engagement standards and practical tools to guide negotiations associated with renewable energy projects on Country.

Findings from the recently released Commonwealth Government’s Independent Review into Community Engagement in Renewable Energy Infrastructure Projects align with YMAC’s renewable energy advocacy.

Committees and Memberships

YMAC CEO Simon Hawkins was appointed to DCCEEW First Nations Clean Energy and Emissions Reductions Advisory Committee, which:

• provides advice on First Nations perspectives regarding the Australian Government’s clean energy and emissions reduction commitments,
• ensures First Nations perspectives are fully considered in the development of policy, reform and program implementation across these areas,
• ensures First Nations heritage and cultural protocols are respected and protected, and
• identifies opportunities for First Nations people and communities to share in the benefits of the transition to net zero.

YMAC is a member of National Native Title Council and First Nations Clean Energy Network and is in alignment with their advocacy and resources. 

YMAC’s Pilbara Solar co-ownership

In 2017, YMAC contributed to the pre-feasibility study, ‘Evaluating the potential to export Pilbara solar resources to the proposed ASEAN grid via a subsea high voltage direct current interconnector’, commissioned by the Pilbara Development Commission.

In 2018, the authors of this study partnered with YMAC to launch Pilbara Solar – a profit-for-purpose renewable energy development company supporting First Nations people to lead renewable energy projects and businesses to develop renewable energy projects with First Nations people.

YMAC is now a 50% shareholder of Pilbara Solar.  FAQs and a MOU describing the Shared Objectives and Mutual Obligations of YMAC and Pilbara Solar and how YMAC and Pilbara Solar co-operate and work together is available on YMAC’s website.

YMAC service provisions

In recent years – independent of YMAC’s involvement in Pilbara Solar – YMAC lawyers have been involved in supporting several client groups in negotiations with other Renewable Energy Developers (REDS).

With a compelling CV in this space and a clear focus on facilitating effective and mutually respectful negotiations and strong economic participation by Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs), YMAC aims to provide access to the generational wealth that will flow from renewable energy projects into regional communities.

YMAC can facilitate the communications and agreement-making process and the ongoing management of a renewable energy project negotiation. 

This can begin as early as first introductions between REDs and Traditional Owners to kick-start a relationship that leads to a renewable energy project.

In addition to legal advice, YMAC can provide its clients with in-house expertise across a range of services required during a project’s development, as well as assist in identifying independent advisers when needed.

For clarity:

• YMAC represents the PBC (not the RED; unless the PBC is also the RED).
• YMAC can and will refer work to Pilbara Solar and/or others, as appropriate.