Case studies in Indigenous engagement in natural resource management in Australia
Case studies in Indigenous engagement in natural resource management in Australia Report
- Author(s): Smyth, D., Szabo, S., George, M.
- Published: 2004
- Publisher: Australian Government Natural Resource Management
Abstract: The Australian Government, in partnership with the States and Territories, has facilitated the establishment of a number of regional natural resource management bodies across the country. These bodies are responsible for the strategic implementation of the extension to the Natural Heritage Trust at the regional scale. While the first phase of the Natural Heritage Trust was very successful in raising awareness and understanding of natural resource management issues within the broader community, Indigenous community participation in Trust processes, and access to Trust resources, was relatively poor. The redress this situation, the Australian Government has initiated a number of activities intended to provide the necessary information, assistance and support to enhance Indigenous access to and participation in the regional delivery of NRM as appropriate to the Natural Heritage Trust and the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality. A key component of this initiative is the compilation of cases studies, or stories, of Indigenous engagement in land management processes relevant to a range of regions across the country. By documenting and identifying effective processes and achievements of engaging Indigenous groups, the case studies are intended to assist those regional bodies seeking to improve contact and communication with the regional Indigenous community, and to build Indigenous understanding of the opportunities available through effective participation in the Australian Government’s natural resource management programs and processes. This report presents six case studies in Indigenous engagement in regional natural resource management (NRM), planning and implementation in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania. Case studies from Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia are the focus of a complementary project undertaken by other consultants.