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VicGrid is taking a new approach to planning and engagement to support the transition to renewable energy. A key part of this approach is a commitment to early engagement with Traditional Owners and First Peoples.
We seek to walk together and partner with Traditional Owners and Victoria's First Peoples through our energy transition in a way that upholds their distinct rights, is grounded in mutual respect and enables self-determination and shared benefits.
Self-determination in the energy transition
Traditional Owners have legal rights and cultural responsibilities that must be recognised and supported through the renewable energy transition.
Our work is about ensuring Traditional Owner voices and priorities are embedded into how we plan energy infrastructure across Victoria.
We’re working with Traditional Owners to ensure decisions are based on the principles of transparency, respect and self-determination.
Through the Community Engagement and Social Value Guidelines we will ensure renewable energy project developers engage in structured and good-faith negotiations to reach shared decisions about land use, cultural heritage, environmental responsibilities and benefits.
Meet Craig Watson – Manager, First Nations Engagement and Senior Advisor to the CEO
Sharing the benefits of the energy transition
In the past, Traditional Owners have not fairly benefited from the development of energy infrastructure on Country in Victoria, missing out on the economic opportunities generated by the energy sector.
That’s why VicGrid is working in partnership to ensure Traditional Owners benefit from the transmission projects and renewable energy zones being developed on Country.
We’re working with Traditional Owners to identify opportunities and co-design a model of benefits that strengthens economic independence.
The co-design process aims to go beyond inclusion, to ensure Traditional Owners determine how benefits deliver economic empowerment and support self-determination. The draft Community Benefits Plan details our approach to ensuring benefits are shared with Traditional Owners through the energy transition.
Cultural heritage and transmission planning
Our approach to transmission planning recognises that decisions about land, energy and infrastructure must be informed by Traditional Owners as rights holders to lands and waters across the state.
Traditional Owners have told us of the critical importance of protecting cultural heritage, values and landscapes through the transition to renewable energy.
To protect these values, we will engage in dialogue with Traditional Owners on decision-making that may affect their rights and interests, including transmission planning, renewable energy zone planning, project development, and cumulative impacts management.
We will also meet our obligations under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic), recognising and protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage and working respectfully with Traditional Owners to ensure cultural heritage values are understood and considered in our work.
To support Traditional Owner participation in transmission planning, VicGrid is collaborating with Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) to identify, understand and map biocultural values on Country.
Through a multi-year research partnership, Traditional Owners will be supported to undertake biocultural values assessments that help planners and developers minimise harm to Country when planning for large-scale infrastructure. The Victorian Transmission Plan details our approach to considering cultural heritage and values in transmission planning.
Partnering on renewable energy zones
The Victorian Government has declared five onshore renewable energy zones, along with a shoreline zone in Gippsland.
We will partner with Traditional Owners in regions hosting renewable energy zones to identify key considerations, concerns, benefits and opportunities. This will support the protection of Country and help maintain spiritual and cultural heritage and practices.
VicGrid is committed to ongoing, place-based engagement as renewable energy zones are implemented.
Map of the declared renewable energy zones with Registered Aboriginal Parties overlaid
Contact us
We are committed to working with Traditional Owner groups as we progress the energy transition. To talk to us or request a meeting, please contact us at firstpeoples@vicgrid.com.au.
Page last updated: 04/08/26