Australia's first First Nations-owned retail energy provider has begun operating in Victoria and will be powering the state's biggest road project with support from the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Employment Vicki Ward and Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D'Ambrosio this week visited the North East Link site for the official launch of Yurringa Energy.
Yurringa Energy was established in 2018 to be Australia's first First Nations-owned and operated retail energy provider.
Support from the Labor Government helped establish Yurringa Energy as an energy retail business offering supply of energy to commercial and industrial markets.
The First Nations owned company has secured the energy supply contract for the North East Link, and in partnership with Alinta Energy, will deliver 100 per cent renewable power during the construction of the North East Link tunnels.
The Labor Government has set world-leading renewable energy targets of 65 per cent by 2030 and 95 per cent by 2035 and achieve net zero by 2045.
To drive the company's long-term sustainability, Yurringa Energy will create employment and training opportunities for Indigenous people in the growing renewable energy sector.
Yurringa Energy securing this contract backs the Labor Government's Yuma Yirramboi Strategy, which supports wealth creation and aims to build First Nations economic parity within a generation.
To learn more, visit yurringaenergy.com.au.
As stated by Minister for Employment Vicki Ward
"We're investing in First Nations-owned businesses and backing startups like Yurringa Energy to create new and meaningful employment opportunities for First Nation Victorians - especially in growing sectors like renewables. This will improve economic opportunities for First Nations people as well as the wider community."
As stated by Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas
"The Labor Government is proud to have supported Yurringa Energy who are powering ahead and creating employment opportunities for Indigenous people in Victoria's growing renewable energy sector."
As stated by Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D'Ambrosio
"We are ensuring the energy transition supports long-term economic prosperity and self-determination outcomes for First Peoples. This is a priority."
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson
"This is a significant milestone for North East Link and will get us one step closer to moving trucks off local roads and slashing travel times across the north-east."
As stated by Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins
"We're backing Aboriginal start-ups and investing in sustainable futures for First Nations businesses, right across Victoria."
As stated by Yurringa Energy Founder and Managing Director Daniel Briggs
"Yurringa Energy is Australia's first 100 per cent Indigenous owned and managed energy retail company. The Victorian Government's support and willingness to walk with us with a shared vision to interrupt the cycle of economic exclusion for Indigenous people has been significant to our success."
