With a population of approximately 1,390, the community has historically relied on diesel-powered microgrid generation and is vulnerable to seasonal flooding and isolation.

Yurika won a competitive tender to lead the construction of a solar farm as part of a larger Ergon Energy Network project that supports energy security, will improve emissions outcomes, and support customer uptake of rooftop PV for the community. This project is part of the Queensland state government’s commitment to regional communities to provide safe, reliable, and affordable energy solutions for all Queenslanders.

Yurika led the solar farm project, in collaboration with K&T Construction Australia, to significantly expanded Doomadgee’s renewable energy capacity. The project delivered an additional 4MW of solar PV, complementing the client’s grid-forming battery energy storage, and the original solar system installed in 2014.

Upon completion, more than 50% of the community’s annual power needs will be met through renewable energy, significantly reducing diesel dependence. Together this will save over 680,000 litres of fuel a year, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs, and extending the life of the diesel generation sets.

A cornerstone of this project was deep and respectful engagement with the local community. From the outset, the Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council played an active leadership role, facilitating on-country cultural induction programs to ensure all workers and subcontractors understood and respected the cultural significance of the land and community protocols.

Local knowledge and cultural insight directly shaped how the project was delivered. The involvement of traditional owners helped guide site access, land use, and environmental considerations, ensuring that cultural heritage was protected at every stage of construction.

The project also generated meaningful local employment and business development opportunities. Local community members and First Nations suppliers were engaged throughout the construction phase, including roles in procurement, logistics, labour, and security. More than half of all procurement for the project was sourced from First Nations suppliers and contractors. One local worker has since established a small business to maintain and clean the solar panels—ensuring long-term community involvement and ownership of the asset.

In addition, site security and caretaking responsibilities are being managed by a Doomadgee local, helping maintain ongoing vigilance and stewardship over the site.

This is an important resilience initiative for the Doomadgee community, which is often affected by seasonal flooding and is heavily reliant on getting supplies and community members in and out of community via flights. The expansion to the solar farm will further alleviate the amount of fuel needed to be stored in case of extended wet seasons when access to the community can be cut for prolonged periods.

The new solar array, constructed with Schletter’s fixed-tilt mounting system, was designed to withstand 1-in-100-year flood events.

The Doomadgee Solar Farm is one of several projects Yurika is working on to improve energy resilience in remote communities across Australia. The client will now complete finishing works and ready the site for connection to the electricity grid in late 2026.

This project demonstrates how clean energy infrastructure can be successfully integrated into remote Aboriginal communities through partnership, cultural respect, and local empowerment. The project not only improves energy reliability and reduces emissions but also strengthens economic and social resilience.

This initiative is part of Yurika’s broader mission to support remote and Indigenous communities across Australia with modern, sustainable energy solutions tailored to local needs and cultural values.