Adelaide-based Tindo, Australia’s only maker of solar panels, was recently announced as the solar PV supplier to the Bowen Water Pipeline project, and during the negotiations the company formed a partnership with Indigenous business and supplier to the pipeline, Wadda Mooli.
Under the partnership Tindo and Wadda Mooli have agreed to an ‘Australia-first’ approach to infrastructure projects and will work together to supply Australian workers, equipment and logistics services on Australian projects. Tindo and Wadda Mooli have also agreed to prioritise opportunities for indigenous youth and traineeships for Australians, and to work with other Australian businesses whenever they win supply contracts for infrastructure projects. They also agree to pursue net-zero solutions and environmentally friendly business practices wherever possible.
Tindo Chief Executive Officer Richard Petterson said he was delighted to announce the partnership with Wadda Mooli, which came about from shared organisational values.
“As we negotiated a deal to supply 30MW of panels to Bowen Water Pipeline, it became clear that Wadda Mooli and Tindo both pursued social and environmental outcomes along with profitability, in their business practices,” said Petterson. “Both businesses are committed to creating opportunities for indigenous youth, traineeships for workers, secure employment for Australians and environmentally responsible operations. We can do all these things and also provide high-quality goods and services to Australian infrastructure projects.”
The Australia and New Zealand Infrastructure Pipeline indicates that Australia is in an era of high infrastructure spending, with a peak coming in the fourth quarter of 2026 when $16.5 billion is being spent on infrastructure projects.
Petterson said domestic businesses, including manufacturers, had an opportunity to work cooperatively to secure contracts in infrastructure projects. “Local content should be the priority in the delivery of Australian infrastructure and we can make that case when we collaborate.”
Director of Wadda Mooli, Roly Warcon, said the partnership with Tindo was important because with so much infrastructure spending committed for Australia, local businesses and workers also had to enjoy the benefits.
“We are two businesses with complementary values and an Australia-first outlook,” said Warcon. “Tindo is an inspiration because they make solar panels here in Australia, for the benefit of our economy and our environment.
“Our companies agree that fulltime jobs and training are valuable to the nation, and we can prioritise the opportunities for indigenous youth and all Australians if we cooperate together and win some of these infrastructure contracts.”
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