ATNS - Agreements, Treaties and Negotiated Settlements project

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Kinchega National Park Memorandum of Understanding
Date:	1 July 2002
Sub Category:	Memorandum of Understanding
Place:	Menindee
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State/Country:	New South Wales, Australia
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Subject Matter:	\| Cultural Heritage \| Employment and Training \| Environmental Heritage \| Land Management \| Recognition of Traditional Rights and Interests \| Reconciliation
URL:	http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Kinchega+National+Park+Memorandum+of+Understanding+with+the+Menindee+Aboriginal+Elders+Council
Summary Information:
The Kinchega National Park Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), was made between New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife and The Menindee Aboriginal Elders. It formally acknowledges the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service's commitment to working cooperatively with the Aboriginal Elders Council in the management of the Aboriginal cultural heritage sites in the Kinchega National Park and the surrounding area.
Detailed Information:
The Agreement promotes the cooperative management of the park, encourages employment of Aboriginal people, and endeavours to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage, artefacts and sites within the Menindee area. The Parks and Wildlife Service agrees to consult with, and assist the Menindee Aboriginal Elders Council to participate in the general management of the park, and in particular, in the protection and interpretation of Aboriginal cultural sites. It agrees to actively pursue the advice of the Aboriginal community, and consider all recommendations in good faith. In response, the Menindee Aboriginal Elders acknowledge that the decisions and the advice that they give must comply with the Kinchega Plan of Management and relevant legislation. At least once every twelve months, the Regional Manager shall report in writing to the Director detailing information about the frequency of meetings of the Menindee Aboriginal Elders Council, the members who attended, and any other information deemed to be relevant. The Memorandum of Understanding canvasses issues of funding, insurance and exemption from Park fees for the Menindee Aboriginal Elders Council. It outlines the protocols on research and access to information, and considers employment issues, and selection procedures. Furthermore, the MOU states that at the start and end of each financial year the Elders Council will meet with the Regional Manager in order to consider budget submissions relating to projects relevant to Kinchega National Park. In the event of a dispute that cannot be resolved by discussions between the parties, it shall be referred to the Director-General (National Parks and Wildlife Service) who will establish a mechanism whereby the dispute can be resolved. It is acknowledged that the MOU provides a forum in which the potential for Aboriginal ownership of Kinchega National Park can be considered. The MOU will be reviewed in two years, and any outcomes of that review must be agreed to by all representatives.