First Nations Engagement
We acknowledge the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jardwadjali, Wergaia and Jupagalk Peoples (often collectively referred to as the Wotjobaluk Nations) as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which the Watta Wella Renewable Energy Project is proposed.
The Wotjobaluk Nations are the Traditional Owners of the land upon which the Project is proposed and maintain a deep connection to Country.
We acknowledge their ongoing connections to land, water, sky and community. We pay our respect to Elders past and present and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
RES is committed to supporting the progress of the Wotjobaluk Nations, and that of the local community.
Designing with Country
The project footprint was designed to avoid culturally significant sites, reinforcing respect for Traditional Owners and fostering trust in the project’s cultural sensitivity.
From on-site engagement with Local Aboriginal Land Councils, turbines were shifted to avoid culturally modified trees and heritage areas, preserving cultural values and deepening First Nations partnerships.
The RES Reconciliation Action Plan
A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a formal documented plan that outlines an organisation's commitment to building stronger relationships and respect between non-Indigenous people and First Nations Australians.
RES’ first RAP (Reflect) was established in 2023 and progressed to the Innovate phase in early 2025 with endorsement from Reconciliation Australia. The Innovate RAP is about turning reflection into action, driving real change within our organisation and the communities we touch, building stronger partnerships, increasing cultural awareness across our teams, and fostering economic opportunities for First Nations communities.