Wujal Wujal celebrate energy self-sufficiency at last

The community of Wujal Wujal in far north Queensland is celebrating a groundbreaking initiative to deliver reliable, renewable power to its residents through the development of a solar and battery microgrid.

Queensland’s first community-owned and led microgrid was born out of the trauma and tragedy experienced during the Cyclone Jasper flooding event in December 2023.

Josh Paterson, CEO of Jabalbina, said the community were cut off from power and relocated to Cairns and other distant centres for up to a year.

“It is a powerful step toward a stronger, more resilient future,” he said.

The Wujal Wujal community’s microgrid project was officially launched by David Kempton MP on the banks of the Bloomfield River, with community members and guests including Original Power’s clean energy team.

This project will start construction early next year, supporting a strong recovery for Wujal Wujal.

“Jabalbina is leading the project with local involvement the whole way,” Traditional Owner Francis Walker said.

“The project, yurra jawun-karra, will provide renewable energy that will enable us to live in an environmentally sustainable way.

“Also importantly, this project will provide employment opportunities for our Bama dingkar-dingkar-yalarrku jalbu-jalbu.

“I am so happy and excited that I am here with our future generations to enjoy our hard work of lobbying with all levels of government.

“Our leaders kept their fight against all obstacles.

“I’m a proud Yalanji Wujal Dikarrba warra jalbu who has been part of this ongoing advocacy for much needed infrastructure for all Yalanji warra.”