Managing cultural values with Traditional Owners

Abstract

In collaboration with Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation, Woodside Energy (Woodside) has engaged in a values-driven approach to managing and promoting cultural values and heritage management at the Hydrogen Refueller @H2Perth project in Western Australia. The project aims to supply low cost, hydrogen fuel for local customers and stimulate hydrogen demand, forming part of Woodside’s New Energy portfolio. In 2023, Woodside undertook ethnographic and archaeological field surveys led by Traditional Owners that revealed no Aboriginal Heritage ‘places’ as under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA), and did not trigger any regulatory Aboriginal Heritage protection. Nevertheless, the surveys were valuable in identifying cultural values including ethnobotanical values. Recognising the importance of cultural values, not just heritage sites, Woodside has invested resources into appropriately finding ways to support and promote cultural values in collaboration with and under the guidance of Traditional Owners. To date, this collaborative effort has resulted in a commitment to managing removed vegetation to reduce landfill waste and where possible relocate or re-purpose this material, recognising its value as a cultural resource. Options include donating trees, seed collection, toolmaking and relocating tree hollows to support black cockatoo nesting. Woodside is grateful for the opportunity for continued collaboration with Traditional Owners in the area underpinned by a values-driven cultural heritage management approach.