OUR COMMUNITY
Supporting Care of Ancestors and Country
The Noonkanbah Community
Black Mountain Energy is committed to maintaining strong, respectful relationships with the Indigenous peoples and rightful custodians of the land within our permitted area for Project Valhalla. Through ongoing collaboration, we ensure that our operations align with their cultural heritage, rights, and aspirations.
The Traditional Owners of Noonkanbah Station are the Yungngora and Warlangurru peoples. Additionally, the Native Title holders and applicants for the region include the Yungngora, Warlangurru, Bunuba, and Nyikina Mangala peoples.
We work closely with these communities, encouraging open dialogue and mutual understanding. The Noonkanbah community has actively participated in discussions surrounding the Valhalla project, with multiple letters of support demonstrating their engagement.
Community Partnership
Operating on land with native title rights requires a deep commitment to engagement.
Black Mountain Energy actively fosters strong, working relationships with Indigenous communities by ensuring transparent communication and collaboration.
Dedicated Liaison
We employ a dedicated liaison to not just inspire confidence and trust in the local community but also help stimulate important conversations about needs and concerns.
Ongoing Conversations
We hold regular community group meetings to provide updates, answer questions, and gather community feedback.
Supporting Heritage
By honoring the Aboriginal Heritage Act, we collaborate with Indigenous leaders to carefully monitor and protect on-ground activities, ensuring alignment with cultural traditions and values.
Addressing Priorities
We believe in listening first and acting in ways that truly matter. By maintaining an open dialogue, we ensure that our support aligns with the needs voiced by leaders and community members.
Science Classes
We offer environmental science classes, where participants gain hands-on experience with groundwater protection, flora and fauna recording, and soil sampling, guided by independent environmental experts.
Cultural Training
Through Cultural Awareness Training, we help our employees and contractors develop a deeper understanding of Indigenous languages, traditions, and cultural sensitivities, ensuring respectful and informed engagement.
Independent Reviews
We employ independent experts to assess our environmental programs and advise Traditional Owners separate expert guidance to help them make informed decisions.
Initiatives Supporting the Community
We are honored to contribute to local communities in ways that make a tangible difference. We deeply care about fostering meaningful connections and responding to the needs expressed by community members.
- Football We enjoy supporting the Noonkanbah Blues Football Club teams, providing jerseys and equipment that foster a sense of pride and fellowship.
- Art We provide art supplies to support this vital part of their culture and the oldest unbroken tradition in the world. We were deeply honored to receive gifted artwork from the community and proudly display in our offices as a testament to our strong relationships and shared respect for culture.
- Technology Understanding the importance of access to technology, we provide laptops to Traditional Owner boards, ensuring they have the tools necessary to manage and advocate for their interests.
- Community To support community gatherings, we help install BBQ grills and bring needed items like hats and scarves, adding practical and meaningful contributions that add a little delight to everyday life.
Employment and Economical Development
We are dedicated to fostering lasting economic opportunities that empower the communities and support their future prosperity.
- Site Employment We proudly employ Indigenous rangers who play a vital role in environmental data collection, site security, and inspections, ensuring the land is cared for with deep cultural and environmental knowledge.
- Lodging During our field trips, we choose to stay in community lodges, helping to generate local revenue and supporting Indigenous-owned businesses.
- Local Business We are committed to strengthening the long-term sustainability of Indigenous communities by helping to build the capacity of local businesses, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities needed to thrive.
- Land Use Agreements Through Land Access and Use Agreements, we work to provide financial benefits that contribute to the economic well-being of Indigenous stakeholders, fostering long-term growth and prosperity.
Cultural Sensitivity and Respect
Black Mountain Energy upholds cultural sensitivity in all activities.
We ensure Traditional Owners are consulted and given authority in land use decisions. We make regular community visits to learn during heritage surveys.
They teach us about Sacred Sites and Objects to ensure they are respected and protected according to Indigenous law and traditions.
Education and Training
We invest in important education and training opportunities to help build the skills needed to support local jobs and mutual understanding.
Moving Forward Together
We recognize the fundamental rights of Indigenous peoples, as enshrined in the UN Declaration, to manage and care for their land.
Our goal is to continue building lasting partnerships with Traditional Owners, ensuring that Project Valhalla creates positive, sustainable outcomes for all stakeholders.
