Our approach
The project is located in the Barkly Region of the Northern Territory and forms part of the broader AAPowerLink footprint, which extends approximately 800 kilometres from the Barkly Region to Darwin and through the Timor Sea.
SunCable is committed to working with communities, Traditional Owners and government to support responsible development with the aim to create lasting regional value.
We embed environmental and social considerations into project planning and decision making from the outset, with a focus on protecting the local environment and respecting the people, communities and cultural connections within and around our project footprint.
Community engagement
SunCable recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia and acknowledges their enduring connection to Country, continuing cultures and knowledge in caring for land, water and the environment.
We are committed to early, meaningful and ongoing engagement with local communities and regional stakeholders. The engagement aims to build trusted relationships and ensures local knowledge, cultural considerations and community feedback inform project planning and decision-making.
Since 2020, SunCable has undertaken extensive engagement across the Northern Territory to support access to land, environmental approvals and project activities. This has included discussions with Traditional Owners, landholders, local communities, regional stakeholders and government agencies to introduce the project, understand interests and concerns, and incorporate feedback into planning.
Landmark Indigenous Land Use Agreement
In November 2025, SunCable, Native Title Holders, the Northern Land Council and the Northern Territory Government jointly signed a 70-year Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) for the development of Powell Creek solar generation precinct. The agreement was the result of several years of engagement, consultation and negotiation with Traditional Owners and represents a significant milestone for both the project and the region.
The ILUA establishes a long-term framework for partnership and benefit sharing, supporting employment, training and business opportunities while protecting cultural heritage and maintaining strong connections to Country.
The agreement reflects a shared commitment to developing major renewable energy infrastructure in a way that respects Traditional Owner rights and interests while delivering long-term social, cultural and economic benefits for current and future generations.
"This is a significant deal that NLC, Traditional Owners and SunCable were able to negotiate, and an example of how large-scale energy projects can be developed in partnership with Aboriginal communities."
Matthew Ryan
Chairman, Northern Land Council, 2024
The ILUA is the result of years of dialogue, negotiation and trust-building and establishes the foundation for an enduring partnership between SunCable, the Northern Land Council and Native Title Holders.
Local participation and regional benefit
SunCable aims to support local participation and regional development by working with businesses, suppliers and communities in the Northern Territory.
This will include creating opportunities for local procurement, workforce participation, skills development and broader economic activity throughout the life of the project.
Businesses interested in contracting and procurement opportunities are encouraged to register their interest with our project on our Industry Capability Network (ICN-NT) Gateway page: https://suncable.icn.org.au/.
Environmental responsibility
Environmental considerations are incorporated into project planning and design, with a focus on minimising impacts and protecting key environmental values.
Key areas of focus include water resources, biodiversity and cultural heritage. Environmental impacts are assessed and approved through relevant Northern Territory and Commonwealth regulatory processes.
Consultation
SunCable continues to undertake stakeholder and community consultation to support development activities within our project footprint.
This provides opportunities for community members and stakeholders to learn more about the project, ask questions, and provide feedback.
Details of upcoming information sessions and consultation activities will be published here when they are scheduled.
For further information, please contact the SunCable team via info@suncable.energy.
Environmental approvals and compliance
The project underwent a rigorous environmental impact assessment process under the NT Environment Protection Act 2019 and the Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Both Northern Territory and Commonwealth Environmental approvals were secured in 2024. Links to the approval documentation are provided below.
NT Environmental Approval - EP2020-002-001 - 14 July 2024
Commonwealth EPBC2020-8818 Approval - 19 August 2024
As a condition of the EPBC Approval, SunCable is required to submit Annual Compliance Reports on each anniversary of the approval. Compliance reports submitted to the Regulator are provided below.
2025AnnualComplianceReport-AAPowerLink_EPBC2020-8818.pdf
Community Sponsorship Program
SunCable is proud of its ongoing commitment to provide mutual benefits to the community through its community sponsorship program and is committed to building regional partnerships, providing local benefits, and investing in the communities where we work.
Our NT Community Sponsorship Program offers funding of $500-$3,000 per application for community-led initiatives and activities within our project footprint and surrounding areas. The program guidelines, eligibility requirements and application form can be found below:
