Delivering Archaeological and Ethnographic Surveys on Behalf of the Kariyarra People for a Major Pilbara Solar Facility
Fortescue is a major ASX listed Australian based global green technology, energy and metals company founded in 2003. As the world’s fourth largest iron ore producer, it is pivoting towards becoming a leader in green energy and decarbonisation, aiming for zero terrestrial emissions by 2030.
The North Star Junction Solar Farm is a 100 megawatt facility located approximately 145 kilometres south of Port Hedland. Made up of nearly 200,000 solar panels, it forms a central component of Fortescue’s renewable energy network and supports nearby operations such as the Iron Bridge magnetite mine by supplying clean, reliable power.
Australian Cultural Heritage Management (ACHM) was commissioned to undertake a large number of archaeological and ethnographic surveys for the project on behalf of the Kariyarra People, with 738 hectares surveyed.
The program resulted in the Turner River being avoided, allowing Fortescue to progress a major renewable energy project with Aboriginal cultural heritage properly accounted for.
Client
Fortescue
Location
Pilbara, Western Australia
Sectors
Renewables
Energy and Mining
Services
Project Snapshot
Results Delivered
Protecting Aboriginal Cultural Heritage While Keeping a Major Solar Project Moving
Australian Cultural Heritage Management delivered a large program of archaeological and ethnographic surveys on behalf of the Kariyarra People for Fortescue’s solar farm. The surveys gave Fortescue the heritage information it needed to plan with confidence, and the project proceeded with a waterway avoided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do solar farms in Western Australia need an Aboriginal heritage assessment?
In practice, yes for most large projects. Under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA), landowners must obtain the Minister’s consent under section 18 before using land in a way that is likely to damage or alter an Aboriginal site, so developers commission heritage surveys early to understand what is on the ground before design is fixed. For Fortescue’s North Star Junction Solar Farm, Australian Cultural Heritage Management completed a large number of archaeological and ethnographic surveys on behalf of the Kariyarra People. Learn more about our archaeological assessment services.
What is the difference between an ethnographic survey and an archaeological survey?
An archaeological survey identifies and records physical evidence of past Aboriginal use of the landscape, such as stone artefacts. An ethnographic survey works with Aboriginal communities to record cultural values, significant places and the stories, knowledge and practices attached to Country, many of which leave no physical trace. Both were completed at North Star Junction, giving Fortescue heritage information from both perspectives.
Can a solar farm be designed to avoid sensitive heritage places?
Yes, and avoidance is usually the preferred outcome. When surveys identify places of heritage concern early, project layouts can be adjusted before commitments are made. At North Star Junction, the survey program resulted in the Turner River being avoided.
How much land is surveyed for a utility scale solar farm?
It depends on the project footprint and the heritage sensitivity of the area. Large solar farms usually need survey coverage across the whole development area, often staged by priority.
Who should be involved in heritage surveys for a renewable energy project?
Surveys should be carried out with the Traditional Owners of the area, so that heritage values are identified correctly and advice reflects the people responsible for Country. At North Star Junction, the surveys were undertaken on behalf of the Kariyarra People.
