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YMAC best practice Standards
- 1-Engage respectfully with First Nations communities
- 2-Share information that is clear, accurate, accessible and timely
- 3-Jointly define and agree a process to deliver a shared outcome
- 4-Engage independent experts
- 5-Formalise project approvals and announcements
- 6-Respect, preserve and protect cultural heritage, Country and the environment
- 7-Share the economic and social benefits
- 8-Implement, monitor, document, report back, repeat
YMAC Best Practice Standards
- 1-Engage respectfully with First Nations Communities
- 2-Share information that is clear, accurate, accessible and timely
- 3-Jointly define and agree a process to deliver a shared outcome
- 4-Engage independent experts
- 5-Formalise project approvals and announcements
- 6-Respect, preserve and protect cultural heritage, Country and the environment
- 7-Share the economic and social benefits
- 8-Implement, monitor, document, report back, repeat
These best practice Standards are designed to streamline the consultation and negotiation processes between Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs) and Renewable Energy Developers (REDs) seeking access to Country for renewable energy projects.
In YMAC’s experience, using these Standards will guide the behaviours of all parties to create mutually beneficial working relationships that pay respect to what has come before, while delivering the best outcomes for the future.
The Standards are a practical guide to creating genuine partnerships to guide PBCs and REDs along the project development pathway, resulting in positive outcomes for all.
Why has YMAC developed these best practice Standards?
As the Native Title Representative Body (NTRB) for the Pilbara, Mid West, Murchison, and Gascoyne regions of Western Australia, YMAC offers these ‘Standards to support Traditional Owners, industry and government to effectively and respectfully navigate the development pathway for projects on Country.
Based on our experience of working with First Nations people and Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs) across our representative areas, YMAC has designed these Standards to streamline the consultation and negotiation processes between PBCs and Proponents for projects on Country, including renewable energy projects.
Consistent application of these Standards throughout the project lifecycle promotes clear understanding, transparency, and accountability – this means greater certainty during the process for Traditional Owners/PBCs and Proponents.
In YMAC’s experience, using these Standards will guide the behaviours of all parties to create mutually beneficial working relationships that pay respect to what has come before, while delivering the best outcomes for the future.
Who are the Standards for?
These Standards are a shared tool for:
Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs), Aboriginal corporations, Traditional Owners, Renewable Energy Developers (REDs), or any other companies and entities that build, own, operate and finance projects, also known as Proponents, seeking land access and usage for projects in what are described as the Marlpa (Pilbara) and Yamatji (Mid West, Murchison and Gascoyne) regions of Western Australia, and the government bodies that regulate them.
A collaborative approach from the start is a vital part of a Proponent’s social licence to operate and underpins successful projects on Country that result in positive outcomes for Traditional Owners/PBCs, Proponents and investors.
The Standards can stand alone or be used as a companion guide to YMAC’s Renewable Energy Guide or any other project on Country.
Purpose of the Standards
- Support Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs), industry and government to effectively and respectfully navigate the project development pathway.
- Provide a practical approach to creating genuine partnerships, to guide PBCs and Proponents along the project development pathway for all projects on Country, resulting in positive outcomes for all parties.
- Provide information/tools to promote early engagement, cultural awareness and understanding between parties, as well as free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) throughout a project’s evolution.
- Be a ‘shared’ tool relevant to PBCs, Proponents and government, which embeds FPIC by expressing how to make it happen.
- Establish the highest possible standards NOW to create mutually beneficial working relationships that pay respect to what has come before, while delivering the best outcomes for the future.
- Deliver multiple benefits including accelerating the project process with full FPIC, and achieving equitable social and economic benefits for Traditional Owners and Proponents – while protecting Country and the environment.
- Create trust based on genuine partnerships, leading to greater certainty during the process for all parties.
Further, these Standards are consistent with the First Nations Clean Energy Network (FNCEN) best practice principles and are based on:
- FPIC – a key point in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.
- Final Report recommendations into the destruction of Indigenous heritage sites at Juukan Gorge.
- International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Performance Standards and Guidance Note 7.
- Best practice agreement-making principles (Australian National University study).
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