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Principles of Cooperation between the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council and North Sydney Council
Category:	Event
Date:	17 March 2006
Sub Category:	Statement of Commitment/Intention
Place:	Sydney
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State/Country:	New South Wales, Australia
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Alternative Names:	Principles of Cooperation between Metro and North Sydney Council
Subject Matter:	\| Local Government \| Recognition Agreement / Acknowledgement \| Reconciliation \| Employment and Training \| Tourism \| Economic Development
URL:	http://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/resources/documents/AbrLandCncl_PrinciplesofCooperation.pdf
Summary Information:
The Principles of Cooperation agreement between the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (Metro) and North Sydney Council ('the Agreement') was signed by the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council and by the Mayor and General Manager of North Sydney Council on 17 March 2006. Through signing, the parties agree to: '1. Actively work together to foster reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people; 2. Actively work together to promote an increased understanding of Aboriginal culture; 3. Establish and maintain open and transparent two-way communications and consultation between their two organisations; [and] 4. Establish a framework for considering development proposals affecting Metro interests that is consistent with the North Sydney Council's duties and obligations under all relevant laws' (Principles of Cooperation). The Agreement is the fifth such agreement signed between Metro and Councils in its area. Metro's 'aim is to sign a Principles of Cooperation Agreement with every Council within [its] boundaries' (see Metro 2006b). Principles of Cooperation agreements are designed to create 'formal communication, consultation and negotiation processes between Metro' and each Council involved. They 'also [open] the way for possible future cross cultural training and joint community development initiatives' (see, eg, ABC 2005; Warringah Council 2005).
Detailed Information:
Supporting Statements The Supporting Statements to the Agreement recognise that 'good communication, consultation and an agreed framework for negotiating development is essential' because of the 'major stakeholder status of the parties'. The statements outline the recognised roles, priorities and constraints of the parties and the need for communication and a framework regarding 'development proposals affecting Aboriginal interests'. Through the Agreement, the parties 'will foster reconciliation' and 'will endeavour to recognise and promote understanding of the custodial obligations, spiritual and cultural ties of [Metro]'. Coordination Committee To assist with its implementation, the Agreement provides for the establishment of a Coordination Committee, consisting of the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Metro, the Lord Mayor and General Manager of North Sydney Council and other agreed nominees. The Committee will meet to resolve disputes and issues relating to implementation of the Agreement and could consider 'cross-cultural training and joint community development initiatives'.