Aboriginal joint management has been in place in New South Wales national parks and reserves since its formal introduction in 1998. At present, about 31% or 2,334,621 hectares of the New South Wales national park estate is jointly managed with Aboriginal people.
The current arrangements are governed by 34 separate joint management agreements between the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and Aboriginal partners. These agreements take 3 different forms, which vary with regard to:
- land ownership
- the role of Aboriginal groups in decision-making
- the creation of economic opportunities for Aboriginal communities.
Yirrayirra Waga-dyi, Bush Dance
Benefits of expanded and improved joint management
In 2022, the former NSW Government announced a major reform initiative to develop a consistent and equitable approach to joint management that could potentially be applied across all national parks in New South Wales.
This would be an historic step that would see immense benefits to Aboriginal people through recognising the importance of Aboriginal land ownership and management in the stewardship of protected areas.
Joint management delivers economic benefits for Aboriginal communities by creating additional opportunities for Aboriginal employment and Aboriginal businesses. Expanding joint management has the potential to make a significant practical contribution toward Closing the Gap Priority Reforms and broader reconciliation objectives.
Joint management can also deliver positive conservation and environmental outcomes through recognising and applying traditional ecological knowledge to land management. It provides an enriched experience for visitors to national parks, fostering a greater understanding of Aboriginal culture, language and knowledge systems.
Working in partnership
This is a complex reform initiative and the National Parks and Wildlife Service has undertaken an initial round of consultation with Aboriginal people to understand their aspirations for what a strengthened joint management model may look like in the future. Find out more details on our consultation page.
The project will integrate with the Closing the Gap framework, including through:
- the National Parks and Wildlife Service working in partnership with the NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations
- the project being included in the NSW Closing the Gap Implementation Plan.
This partnership approach will guide the next round of consultation.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service recognises the significance of national parks to other stakeholders who use and value our national parks, including conservation groups, tourism bodies, local government and park users. The National Parks and Wildlife Service will continue to engage all stakeholder groups in the development of the project with future consultation opportunities, including public exhibition.
Current joint management arrangements including existing Indigenous land-use agreements and Aboriginal ownership and leaseback agreements will remain in place.
Reasons for a new model
A new model is needed because:
- The existing joint management models offer varying levels of involvement for Aboriginal people in decision-making and provide inconsistent economic and employment outcomes.
- Many Aboriginal communities are interested in joint management opportunities in national parks not covered by existing arrangements.
- A consistent approach is needed to support the expansion of joint management in a manner that is equitable and delivers greater socioeconomic benefits for Aboriginal communities.
- Expansion of joint management will also need to consider and align with native title rights and interests, as claims and determinations increase across the state.
What this will mean for public access to national parks
The NSW Government is committed to ensuring ongoing public access to our national parks and reserves. This includes recognising the importance of ensuring everyone can continue to enjoy visiting our national parks.
New South Wales' national parks will continue to be for everyone, with a guarantee of continued ongoing community access for tourism, conservation and recreation, subject to existing restrictions for matters such as safety and sites of environmental or cultural sensitivity.
How this initiative will affect park management
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will continue to deliver day-to-day on-ground park management, enhanced by increased Aboriginal employment and engagement.
Future joint management arrangements will guarantee that core service delivery commitments are met in relation to fire management, feral animal and weed control, threatened species protection and other on-ground land management activities.
Register for updates
Subscribe to the Aboriginal joint management newsletter and stay up to date with the latest news.