Clean energy symposium a sell-out
Tickets have sold out with over 400 attending this week’s First Nations Clean Energy Symposium to highlight renewable energy breakthroughs and what’s needed next in self-determined clean energy transition.
The ever-growing leadership of First Nations communities in driving Australia’s clean energy transition, including over 20 First Nations clean energy project partnerships.
The third First Nations Clean Energy Symposium, which begins tomorrow (August 13), is a pivotal gathering to push for collaborative progress in Australia’s energy transition and ensure that First Nations peoples are leading the way in creating sustainable, self-determined futures.
As part of this important conversation, First Nations will reinforce the urgent need for a just, equitable, and community-led approach to renewable energy development.
Hosted by the First Nations Clean Energy Network and supported by the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, the symposium is bringing together over 400 First Nations leaders, Traditional Owners, community members, government representatives, unions, academics and industry to discuss strategies for accelerating the energy transition and backing First Nations communities.
The Symposium will focus on what we have achieved so far, the barriers still to address and the need to work together collaboratively to get there.
“This Symposium is a vital space for sharing that knowledge, building partnerships, and ensuring First Nations voices are leading the conversation,” Joe Morrison, Group CEO of Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, said.
“It is a vital space for sharing that knowledge, building partnerships, and ensuring First Nations voices are leading the conversation.
“It’s about shifting from participation to genuine leadership, and making sure clean energy delivers lasting benefits for First Nations communities.”
“The Symposium is a critical opportunity for First Nations to share our vision and the work we’re already doing to shape the energy transition. We must be at the centre of this shift – our leadership must guide the transition to renewable energy if it is to be truly just,” Karrina Nolan, co-Chair of the First Nations Clean Energy Network, said.
“Across Australia, over four million households have rooftop solar – enjoying the benefits of cleaner, more affordable power, yet First Nations homes are largely unable to access solar and battery benefits and programs.
“The government must address the urgent energy needs of our communities – including those on homelands and in social housing and rental properties. We need more community-led projects, backed with financial and policy support to ensure no one is left behind.
“It’s clear that now is the time to invest in First Nations communities and support access to capital and the resources needed.
“There are many barriers to our people’s participation in the clean energy revolution, from policy constraints to limited financing options for First Nations-led projects. But this moment also offers an opportunity to reset our relationship with industry and rethink economic development on country.
“We know there’s things that work, we know it’s complicated, but we’re looking at government to focus on the solutions and implement them at scale, and at investors, to get moving and back us in.
“Ensuring proponent’s commitment to First Nations outcomes in the Capacity Investment Scheme is a good start, and funds to implement the First Nations Clean Energy Strategy is great – action is the next step.
“Now is the time for transformative change in Australia’s clean energy policies and to begin investing in projects and economic futures with our people.”
The First Nations Clean Energy Symposium takes place at the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre, Queensland, from August 13-15.
https://fncen.eventsair.com/first-nations-clean-energy-symposium-2025/
