EDL launches third Reconciliation Action Plan, continuing commitment to reconciliation
Energy Developments Pty Ltd (EDL) has released its third Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), and its second under the Innovate framework, reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This new RAP reflects the evolution of EDL’s reconciliation journey, building upon the foundations laid during its earlier Reflect and first Innovate RAPs. Guided by its SPIRIT Values and a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, EDL has expanded its efforts through the introduction of new programs, positive stakeholder engagement and a deepening of cultural understanding across the business.
The 2025–2027 Innovate RAP outlines EDL’s approach to respectful engagement, cultural learning, economic and community development, and advocacy to help advance national reconciliation and promote the interests of First Nations peoples.
A key feature of this RAP is a commissioned artwork created by Mayi woman Leah Cummins of Bunya Designs. In a collaborative session held at EDL’s Brisbane office during National Reconciliation Week 2024, Leah led a hands-on painting experience with employees to co-create an artwork that tells the story of EDL’s reconciliation journey. The piece symbolises EDL’s people walking side by side on a shared path—reflecting the company’s commitment to building lasting relationships and progressing reconciliation through action. The journey lines, vibrant waterways and enduring mountains depicted in the piece represent the connections, communities and commitments shaping EDL’s path forward.
The development of this RAP involved a comprehensive consultation process, with input from internal stakeholders across Brisbane, Perth, Darwin and the Bowen Basin. EDL also worked in partnership with Gurreng-Gurreng man and respected advisor Tom Kirk, who provided valuable insight as an external Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consultant. This collaborative approach ensures the RAP is both credible and effective—embedding the principle of self-determination by involving First Nations voices in decisions that impact their communities.
EDL RAP Working Group Co-Chairs Shanara Body and Caleb Ginn highlighted the importance of supporting and empowering employees to actively contribute to reconciliation.
“As Co-Chairs, our role is to guide, support and amplify the voices of our RAP Working Group. Their passion and commitment are the driving force behind our reconciliation efforts,” Ms Body and Mr Ginn said.
“Reconciliation is everyone’s responsibility. Through this RAP, we’re empowering every team member to take part in the journey and make a difference.”
EDL Chief Executive Officer James Harman said: “Across the country, many of EDL’s sites are in the most remote parts of the nation and provide vital energy for their local and surrounding communities. Given this, we recognise that commitment to our reconciliation journey is vital in creating and maintaining meaningful change and a better future for all Australians.
Reconciliation Australia Chief Executive Officer Karen Mundine welcomed the new RAP, stating: “This Innovate RAP is an opportunity for EDL Australia to strengthen these relationships, gain crucial experience, and nurture connections that will become the lifeblood of its future RAP commitments. By enabling and empowering staff to contribute to this process, EDL Australia will ensure shared and cooperative success in the long-term.
“Gaining experience and reflecting on pertinent learnings will ensure the sustainability of EDL Australia’s future RAPs and reconciliation initiatives, providing meaningful impact toward Australia’s reconciliation journey.”
For more than 35 years, EDL has worked collaboratively and respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and businesses across its areas of operation. EDL formalised its reconciliation journey in 2019 with the adoption of its first Reflect RAP.