Last week, the Western Australian Government announced various initiatives, including a new collaboration with Yara Pilbara to build the workforce to deliver the state’s energy transition.
Under the memorandum of understanding (MoU), Yara Pilbara and the Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence will work together to identify skills and workforce needs across clean energy domains.
The partnership focuses on opportunities in the Pilbara and prioritises expanding training and workforce participation among Aboriginal people and women, who are currently underrepresented in the industry.
As operator of one of the world’s largest ammonia production facilities, Yara Pilbara plays a key role in strengthening Western Australia’s manufacturing capability and supporting the clean energy transition.
Work is currently underway at Yara’s Burrup Peninsula plant on the Yuri Renewable Hydrogen to Ammonia Project, which will use renewable hydrogen at industrial scale to support the decarbonisation of fertiliser and industrial chemical manufacturing.
Host of Global Citizen NOW
Western Australia’s status as the state of energy and its future as a renewable energy powerhouse will also be on display when Perth hosts Global Citizen NOW later this year.
The international summit, taking place on 18–20 October, is part of a broader campaign taking place worldwide in the lead up to COP31, where Australia will serve as President of Negotiations in November.
Global Citizen NOW will deliver a series of public-facing engagement opportunities designed to connect Western Australians with the ideas, people, and solutions shaping the future of energy, climate action, and economic resilience.
Established in Australia in 2008, Global Citizen is the world’s largest movement to end extreme poverty.
Since 2022, Global Citizen NOW has convened leaders in government, policy, advocacy, business, philanthropy, and culture to address the world’s biggest issues including education, food security, energy, and global health.
Strengthening support for heritage surveys
Meanwhile, the state government is also expanding its Aboriginal Heritage Survey Assistance Program, in which rebate entitlements remain available for up to 100% of annual rent for prospecting licences and up to 50% for exploration licences.
The 50% exploration rebate will now be retained for the full five-year term, rather than reducing to 25% from 1 July 2026.
Introduced in 2023–24, the initiative helps offset the costs associated with Aboriginal heritage surveys undertaken by prospectors and explorers. These surveys are critical for identifying Aboriginal heritage values and ensuring they are considered throughout exploration activities.
Early program data indicates eligible tenement holders are accessing the rebate to support survey activity across a range of exploration and prospecting licences. This shows the initiative is providing practical assistance where it is most needed.
The program is funded through repurposed mining lease rental refunds and has dedicated resources to ensure timely administration.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Adobe Stock
