Congratulations to the Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation RNTBN (BDAC) who are thrilled to announce that on Thursday 9 November 2023 they were jointly awarded with ElectraNet, the Premier’s Energy Award – Community Category – Energy Projects for their joint work on the Eyre Peninsula Link Monitoring Program.

The Eyre Peninsula Link constructed 270km of high-voltage transmission line between Cultana and Port Lincoln.  The agreement for the project was negotiated and executed in 2020.  Over the course of 30 months of construction, 86 Barngarla people participated in cultural and heritage monitoring work to ensure that Barngarla country was protected and Barngarla culture was respected.

The award comes on the back of the Barngarla winning a commendation award in the 2022 Premier’s Energy Awards.  The 2022 award was won by BDAC jointly with BDAC lawyers Norman Waterhouse and company partners EPS and Amp.  This was for agreements also negotiated between 2019-2021.  BDAC are now the only Aboriginal Corporation to win the Premier’s Awards 2 years back-to-back.

Now in its 12th year, the Premier’s Awards in Energy and Mining showcase innovative approaches and technology, applaud leading practice, and acknowledge the delivery of exceptional leadership in South Australia, along with recognising the employment and business opportunities and the positive economic, social and environmental contribution the industry makes to South Australia.

Jason Bilney BDAC Chair, stated “I would like to thank ElectraNet for their great work with us on this project on our Country.  Undertaking a project of this size wouldn’t have been possible without the commitment of ElectraNet to work with us and they have been great partners”.

EP Link Project Manager, Jon Mussared said, “The impact of this project goes beyond electricity transmission – symbolising the convergence of community, culture, and sustainable infrastructure development.

Learn more about the Eyre Peninsula Link Monitoring Program: