Tunuba: Supporting Country and community in Central Queensland

Tunuba, a 50% First Nations owned organisation, is playing a key role in Central Queensland’s transition to a clean energy future. Formed in 2019, Tunuba has enabled opportunities for Darumbal and other Indigenous people who want to work on County as well as for local businesses in the Rockhampton region.  Tunuba’s involvement in major project developments focuses on environmental protection and land management services.

Tunuba is named after the Darumbal word for the Fitzroy River running through Rockhampton, the largest river on Queensland’s East Coast. The organisation is owned by Toonoonba Darumbal Pty Ltd and CQ Environmental Tunuba Pty Ltd (CQET).  

Tunuba rangers work alongside scientists from local environmental firm CQG Consulting under a Joint Venture Agreement. This work protects natural ecosystems during construction works and the operational phases for project developments.

Caring for Country at Boulder Creek Wind Farm 

Tunuba is contracted to support the construction of the Boulder Creek Wind Farm west of Rockhampton in Central Queensland. Boulder Creek is in the construction phase and is set to create 250 jobs and power 85,000 homes with renewable energy. The Tunuba team is carrying out wildlife protection – fauna spotter catcher services – to minimise the risk of animals being harmed during the vegetation clearing works. The team also conducted weed surveys and weed treatment in the early phases for the project. 

Tunuba’s local knowledge and capabilities are central to delivering regional renewable projects. They ensure projects are delivered in a way that respects Country, protects ecosystems and creates opportunities for Indigenous workers and local businesses in the region. 

Working across Central Queensland 

Beyond the Boulder Creek Wind Farm, Tunuba works alongside CQG Consulting, delivering a range of environmental protection and land management services for other clients. These include: 

• Laing O’Rourke and other civil contractors for Defence on the Shoalwater Bay Training Area – weed treatment, landscaping and fauna spotter catcher services at the Defence training facility north of Rockhampton
   
• Sunwater on the Rookwood Weir Project – water quality monitoring, feral animal control, turtle monitoring and turtle nest protection
   
• Stanwell Power Station – weed management surveys and treatment
   
• McConnell Dowell BMD – weed treatment and fauna spotter catcher services for a major water pipeline project.
   
• QLD Parks and Wildlife Services – protected plant surveys and weed treatment
   
• Fitzroy Basis Association – weed treatment program along Capricorn Coast.

These projects highlight the important role local organisations play in current industry and future clean-energy development for Central Queensland.