Beagle Bay signs Indigenous land use agreement with Horizon Power for renewable energy development

The Nyul Nyul people of Beagle Bay and Horizon Power have signed an Indigenous land use agreement which will see the development of renewable energy for the small community. The agreement will allow Horizon Power access to 4ha in Beagle Bay to develop renewable energy infrastructure to supply the community with clean electricity. Although the development is still in its planning stages, Horizon Power has flagged it’s expected to be solar-based. The agreement will also include upgrades to the community such as the installation of airstrip lighting to improve safety for services like the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Horizon Power chief executive Stephanie Unwin said the agreement was a significant milestone for Horizon. “As a microgrid specialist, Horizon Power understands the need to tailor bespoke energy solutions to meet the unique energy needs of all regional and remote customers,” she said. “We are committed to building and delivering energy solutions which balance the demand, reliability and future energy needs of our towns with the voices and opinions of those who help make it a community. “We look forward to building on our relationship with the Nyul Nyul people and partnering with them on their energy future.” Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna said it was an exciting step for renewable energy in the Kimberley and she looked forward to seeing more people in remote and regional locations reap the benefits of cleaner power. Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti said the agreement was an important milestone, and part of the WA Government’s ongoing commitment to Closing the Gap. Energy Minister Reece Whitby said the development would ensure remote and regional residents had access to renewable energy so they could enjoy cleaner power.