ATNS - Agreements, Treaties and Negotiated Settlements project

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Agreement between the Northern Land Council and the Director of National Parks and Wildlife
Date:	3 November 1978
Sub Category:	Land Use Agreement \| Joint Management Agreement
Place:	Kakadu
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State/Country:	Northern Territory, Australia
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Subject Matter:	\| Employment and Training \| Environmental Heritage \| Cultural Heritage \| Land Management \| Recognition of Traditional Rights and Interests
Summary Information:
The Agreement between the Northern Land Council (NLC) and the Director of National Parks and Wildlife (the Director) was made on 3 November 1978, the same day that the leases were executed between the Kakadu Aboriginal Land Trust and the Director of National Parks for land in stage one, Kakadu National Park. The agreement broadly lays down the principles and conditions under which the park would be managed, and includes provisions for protecting the rights of the traditional owners, employing traditional owners and training aboriginal people in managing the park.
Detailed Information:
Under the Agreement the NLC agrees to direct the Kakadu Aboriginal Land Trust in granting leases of the lands to the Director of National Parks. After the memorandum of lease has been executed, the Director shall meet with the NLC at least once every ten years to discuss the need for any variations to the provisions of the leases. If a variation is necessary, the NLC will direct the Kakadu Aboriginal Land Trust to agree to the variation and to execute all the documents required to give it full legal effect. The Director agrees to establish and implement a program for training local aborigines in skills necessary to enable them to assist in the management and control of the park. National Parks will promote understanding and respect for the aboriginal traditions, languages and culture, consult with traditional owners, utilise traditional skills and adjust working hours and conditions to suit the needs and culture of aboriginal employees. Arrangements will also be made for aborigines to instruct residents in the region in local customs, geography, flora and fauna. The Director will provide the resources for aboriginal employees to assist NLC in identifying and recording Aboriginal sacred sites within the park, and agrees to permit traditional owners of the land, and officers performing duties on behalf of the NLC, to move freely throughout all parts of the park subject to some exceptions. The Agreement states that National Parks and the NLC shall disclose and provide free access to all research reports and data dealing with the park, and in preparing a plan of management in respect of the park, the director shall consult with the NLC which shall ascertain and express the wishes and opinion of the traditional owners.