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YMAC Project Timeline

First approach

This stage is about making introductions, making a plan to get to know one another, and aligning the Renewable Energy Developer’s (RED’s) vision for the project with the Prescribed Body Corporate’s (PBC’s) vision for People, Country, and Culture.

Time here is well spent, as it can streamline the process and impact the cost of pre-feasibility in a positive way.

Introductions and the exchange of ideas is the first opportunity for collaboration, relationship-building, building trust and cultural awareness.

Early and ongoing consultation is the key to establishing a respectful relationship and a social licence to operate. It is also a great first step in understanding how to achieve free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) throughout the project (though no formal consents are provided at this stage).

The RED makes contact to organise a meeting with the PBC to talk about the project and seek approval to have the meeting on or near the proposed site on Country.

The site visit may occur in the pre-feasibility (stage 2), or other stage appropriate to the particular project, and its purpose is to:

assess resources and knowledge gathered prior to the site visit;
determine if it’s the right type of project, aligns with the PBC’s vision, and fits the landscape;
get a clear idea of what it would it look like on Country, including infrastructure; and
consider requirements for ‘exclusion zones’ at this early stage as well as the need for expert advisers.

What information does the RED share with the PBC about the RED e.g., corporate structure, culture, and project credentials?
What does the RED know about the Country and the Traditional Owners? Would Cultural Awareness Training be appropriate prior to the site visit?
Who has the legal and cultural authority?
What is the capacity of the PBC to evaluate opportunities and risks at the early stages? Identify capacity building requirements.
What are the economic participation options for the PBC?
Is expert advice needed by the PBC prior to and/or during the site visit?
Initial land discussions e.g., does the proposed area cover un-surveyed Country - which could be thousands of square kilometres depending on the project’s scale.

Important notes about this timeline

YMAC’s Renewable Energy Guide has been developed for use by Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs), Traditional Owners, Renewable Energy Developers (REDs), government and industry.

It is designed as a ‘big picture’ framework for renewable energy projects. Its intention is to support a best practice approach by all parties involved in a project.

All projects are different, and the Project Timeline is not intended to be a perfect fit for all projects. That is, for any project, stages may occur or commence at different times or not be required. Some stages are linear, and others may occur, in whole or in part, concurrently. Each stage incorporates considerations for other stages, as relevant to a project.

The Project Timeline is a GUIDE ONLY.

First approach

Getting to know one another

Organising the site visit

Preparing for the conversation