Creating opportunities for Indigenous businesses in revegetation projects

A leading energy company approached Nativ Carbon to help drive greater Aboriginal business participation in the projects we deliver. Having worked together previously, the company recognised our expertise in delivering tangible outcomes, including a proven track record of achieving over 25% Indigenous engagement across elements of our projects. With their funding, we developed opportunities to support Indigenous businesses and individuals in building the skills and experience needed for long-term success in the environmental sector.

Capacity Building

Carbon Offset Planting

Energy

Indigenous Engagement

Project Highlight

119 labourers engaged, with Indigenous workers making up 38% of the workforce

5 partnerships with Indigenous businesses: Kooboolong Services, Maarli, BAC, Gambara and Indigenous Workabout

50% of plant installation projects awarded to Indigenous businesses

Project Highlight

119 labourers engaged, with Indigenous workers making up 38% of the workforce

5 partnerships with Indigenous businesses: Kooboolong Services, Maarli, BAC, Gambara and Indigenous Workabout

50% of plant installation projects awarded to Indigenous businesses

Project Overview

The program was established to bridge the gap between Indigenous businesses and large-scale revegetation projects. It was designed not just as a short-term employment opportunity but as a structured approach to capability-building and experience, ensuring Indigenous businesses could transition from supported work arrangements to independently securing commercial contracts.

With a strong focus on skills development and business sustainability, Nativ Carbon worked closely with Indigenous businesses, supporting them through a ‘soft entry’ model.

Indigenous business success

Indigenous businesses were awarded a portion of the planting works, gaining hands-on experience with the support of Nativ Carbon's project management team.

Valuable industry experience

The businesses gained valuable industry experience, transitioning into the broader market through real-world opportunities.

Support from Nativ Carbon

Nativ Carbon provided equipment to support their work, including a custom-built seedling trailer, pottipuki planting tools, seedling buckets and other necessary supplies. Guidance and experience-building helped Indigenous businesses build capacity and compete in the broader market.

Strategic Thinking

Nativ Carbon - Eganu Farms Branding PHOTOSHOOT (POLAR)

A key focus was creating sustainable pathways for Indigenous businesses beyond this project. We provided ongoing support to help them navigate procurement requirements and strengthen their capabilities. This approach ensured that Indigenous suppliers were well-positioned for future opportunities within the revegetation industry.

Our strategy focused on aligning Indigenous engagement with the project’s commercial and operational needs. With the support and encouragement of the energy company, we assessed procurement opportunities and identified Indigenous businesses with the capacity to deliver. We streamlined the engagement process by leveraging our experience and established networks to ensure meaningful participation.

Project Outcome

increased indigenous workforce participation

The program successfully engaged 119 labourers, with Indigenous workers comprising 38% of the workforce, creating direct employment opportunities in the energy sector.

stronger indigenous business capability

Through structured support and opportunities to gain experience, participating Indigenous businesses developed the skills needed to transition from subsidised arrangements to independently securing contracts.

long-term commercial opportunities

Badgebup Aboriginal Corporation has been engaged again by Nativ Carbon for 2025 following a competitive contract process. Other businesses, such as Kooboolong Services, Maarli and Indigenous Workabout, have progressed to competing for industry contracts on their own merit and will be considered for future engagement as appropriate opportunities arise.

industry integration and collaboration

Nativ Carbon built strong partnerships with these Indigenous businesses, creating real opportunities for them to work on major industry projects. Through this program, we have set a standard for practical, inclusive procurement that benefits both businesses and the broader industry.

scalable model for future programs

This structured approach has provided Nativ Carbon with a proven blueprint to expand Indigenous engagement across our projects, ensuring long-term success. The engagement of Yued Aboriginal Corporation in 2025 is a testament to this, demonstrating how our model continues to create lasting opportunities for Indigenous businesses in the industry.