AMPYR Australia

Facilitating First Nations Equity Participation in the Bulabul Battery

Key Statistics

5 %

community equity right

20 + years

projected revenue

Market-first partnership

that provides long-term benefit long after the battery’s completion

Background

The Bulabul Battery in Wellington, NSW Australia represents a new model for First Nations participation in Australia’s clean energy transition. Through a landmark partnership with AMPYR Australia, the Wellington Aboriginal community, via its new community-led corporation Wambal Bila, has secured the right to a 5% equity stake in the project. This delivers long-term revenue, strengthened governance, and community-led investment for future generations.

Why It Matters

Clean energy investment will exceed AUD $100 billion in regional Australia in coming decades. The Bulabul Battery partnership ensures First Nations communities are not only consulted but actively benefit through ownership, economic participation and long‑term decision‑making power.

This model addresses longstanding exclusion from land-related decisions and demonstrates how renewable projects can deliver cultural, social and economic benefits.

Our Approach

AMPYR and the Wellington Aboriginal community co-designed an equity structure that:

  • Established Wambal Bila as a new community-led corporation led by the local Wiradjuri people and open to the Wellington Aboriginal community.
  • Provides the option to take a 5% equity stake in the battery project including preferred returns and long-term ownership benefits.
  • Includes $300,000 establishment funding from AMPYR for governance, training and operational setup.
  • Enables community-controlled investment into cultural, economic and social priorities.

AMPYR and Wambal Bila will explore a similar arrangement for Wellington Stage 2, with the aim of expanding this model across other AMPYR projects.

Our Commitment

AMPYR is committed to supporting First Nations equity participation (~5%) where it delivers meaningful community benefits and strengthens project outcomes.
AMPYR will continue sharing learnings to help scale this model across the clean energy sector and build industry‑leading approaches to First Nations engagement.

The Value-Add

  • Generational revenue and ownership for the Wellington Aboriginal community.
  • Community-led governance, enabling investment in locally defined priorities.
  • Training and capacity building funded by AMPYR.
  • Strong ESG outcomes for partners, customers and financiers.
  • A replicable model that sets a precedent for future renewable energy projects.

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