Dentons, the world’s largest global firm, has advised the Nari Nari Tribal Council on its equity investment in the proposed Wilan Wind Farm. The team was led by Real Estate Partner Matthew Geary and Corporate Parter John Mollard and assisted by Managing Associate Kurt Tiam.

The Wilan Wind Farm, a Nari Nari Tribal Council, Kilara Energy and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners partnership, is to be located in the NSW Riverina area within the South-West Renewable Energy Zone and will deliver up to 75 wind turbines, capable of producing up to 500 MW which is the equivalent of providing energy up to 470,000 homes. Nari Nari Tribal Council are the Traditional Custodians of the lands known as ‘Gayini’ in the north of the project area.

Partner, Matthew Geary said this is a game changing transaction for a renewable energy project in Australia. “It is based on active participation by the Traditional Owners in a way that ensures the Nari Nari people retain autonomy, a real level of control over Country, receive valuable training and have an active equity stake in the successful outcome of the project – rather than being a passive landholder receiving only rental income.”

Dentons’ assistance with the proposed renewables project on the ‘Gayini’ property will bring real and lasting benefits to the Nari Nari people. The unique investment model created will enable genuine participation, wealth creation and ownership.

“We are proud to have assisted with this transformational economic opportunity for the Nari Nari,” said John Mollard, Partner. “It continues our important long-standing working relationship with the Nari Nari Tribal Council.”

Jamie Woods, Chair, Nari Nari Tribal Council said “Nari Nari Tribal Council is committed to ensuring future generations of Nari Nari people can live, work and care for our Country. We need to have a sustainable financial base and the skills to manage our country. Partnering with Kilara and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners provides the opportunity for substantial wealth creation for NNTC. It will enable knowledge and skills our next generation need to participate in large scale development projects and build relationships for Nari Nari people into the future.”

Dentons has previously advised the Nari Nari Tribal Council on a landmark Conservation Agreement with the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust for the management and protection of a Conservation Area of over 55,000 hectares of internationally significant wetlands on Gayini, in southwestern New South Wales.