Cultural heritage and reconciliation

Engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities is a critical component of our program of network augmentation projects.

The enduring nature of our business means we are in a position to deliver sustainable and far-reaching outcomes – and provides us with an opportunity to start putting into practice the objectives of our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

Investing in sustainable relationships

From the start of the project planning process, we seek advice and input from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. We then consider our approach, and develop actions, based on these discussions.

Ongoing conversations with the relevant Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC), Native Title Groups, and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups continue to be invaluable at every stage of a project, and are a beneficial resource that Transgrid relies upon to learn from, and to shape our future.

Protecting Aboriginal heritage sites

We recognise that significant Aboriginal heritage sites may be in the vicinity of Transgrid easements, properties and access tracks. A range of steps are in place to protect these heritage sites, and reduce the risk of harm in the areas in which we operate.

Prior to any works involving ground disturbance or vegetation removal, we use a geospatial information system (GIS) and robust due diligence assessments to identify any potential impacts to Aboriginal heritage.

Where potential impacts are identified, we work in consultation with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to specify any restrictions or mandatory controls that need to be in place.

Our policy

The following principles from our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement and Participation Policy are integral to the development and delivery of our projects:

• Create participation opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and businesses
• Respect and recognise ongoing connection to their country and the importance of cultural heritage
• Lead the way in engaging with and developing sustainable relationships
• Enhance the cultural awareness of our employees and contractors to ensure they understand its importance and relevance.

Download our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Policy 

We would like to acknowledge and pay respects to the First Nations and Traditional Custodians of the land and waters encompassing where we are privileged to live, work and play. We recognise and celebrate their spiritual and ongoing connection to culture and Country. We respectfully acknowledge all Elders past and present as we continue to cherish shared wisdom and grow with their guidance as we walk together toward a connected Country.

Transgrid is committed to driving reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across our transmission network and as we expand our network to enable the transition to a decarbonised energy system. Our vision is for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities we work in to grow and achieve sustainable economic prosperity and to see their cultural heritage and customs respected by all Australians.

Our Stretch RAP

We know that we have an important role to play in creating a more equitable future. In March 2023, we launched our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which is the third stage of RAP under the Reconciliation Australia framework.

Our Stretch RAP comprises a wide range of initiatives and programs over the next three years as well as the steps we will take to achieve them. It will capitalise on the progress we made in delivering our second Innovate RAP in 2020.

In May 2020, we published our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement and Participation Policy, which affirms Transgrid’s commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities during the development, delivery, maintenance and operation of our projects and assets.

To help us advance reconciliation, we partner with several organisations including CareerTrackers, Supply Nation, and the Clontarf Foundation. We also sponsor the 7 News Transgrid Indigenous Achievement Award, which aims to acknowledge young Indigenous people who are using their life experiences to give back to their community. 

Our commitment

Our Stretch RAP is set upon six core areas of focus, through which we are committed to:

1. Furthering respectful and meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across our transmission network.
2. Deepening the cultural awareness, understanding and respect of our employees and leaders.
3. Showing deep respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artefacts and places impacted by our projects.
4. Delivering measurable and sustainable economic benefits to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and communities that we work with.
5. Improving employment opportunities, retention and professional development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within Transgrid.
6. Leading and championing reconciliation within the energy industry.

We will continue to use our unique expertise, resources and works programs to build respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and business partners, and to deliver sustainable outcomes that will embrace strong economic participation and development of people and their communities that contribute to Closing the Gap and driving reconciliation.