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Cape York Tourism Heads of Agreement

Date: 12 March 1997
Sub Category:Framework Agreement | Memorandum of Understanding
Place:Cape York Peninsula
State/Country:Queensland, Australia
Alternative Names:
  • Cape York Heads of Agreement for Tourism
  • Subject Matter: | Environmental Heritage | Recognition of Native Title or Traditional Ownership | Tourism
    URL: http://www.cypda.com.au/projects/cytag.htm
    Summary Information:
    The Cape York Peninsula Tourism Heads of Agreement (the Agreement) was signed on 12 March 1997 between the Cape York Land Council (CYLC), the Peninsula Regional Council of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, Balkanu Cape York Regional Development Corporation, Cook Shire Council and the Cape York Peninsula Development Association (CYPDA). The Agreement seeks to find common ground between Indigenous and non-Indigenous interests, through respecting cultural diversity and establishing a 'common set of principles to enable proper land management and appropriate tourism and tourism related economic development to take place.'
    Detailed Information:
    The parties to the Agreement commit to working together to 'develop a management regime for an ecologically, economically, socially and culturally sustainable tourism industry and land use on Cape York Peninsula, and to develop harmonious relationships amongst all the interests in the area.'

    In their vision for the Cape York Peninsula, the parties focus on the need for a sustainable tourism industry that is, to the extent possible, owned, based and driven, and one that is unique to the Cape York Peninsula. The parties agree that tourism in the region should have the primary goal of educating people about the 'environment, culture, society and history of the region', with the aim of cultivating and promoting Indigenous and non-Indigenous reconciliation.

    The parties also acknowledge and agree that areas of significant conservation and heritage value should not be threatened or degraded through the development of a tourism industry and that cultural diversity and sustainability of the region must be a primary consideration in planning for and managing the tourism industry.

    The parties are committed to developing an industry protocol for dealing with traditional owners and Aboriginal communities in relation to tourism development which sets out the various roles and responsibilities of the Land Council, Development Centre, Regional Council and the local Community councils and organisations.

    The Agreement also supports the establishment of the Cape York Tourism Advisory Group (CYTAG) comprising members of the organisations signatory to this agreement as well as the Far North Queensland Tour Operators Association.
    Outcomes:
    The Cape York Tourism Advisory Group was formed in 1997 as a recommendation arising out of the Management Plan for Tourism on Cape York Peninsula.' This Management Plan 'was developed by the CYPDA after a lengthy process of consultation with stakeholders and was adopted and included without amendment in the CYPLUS II report to make up Economic Strategy 11 of the CYP2010 plan. CYPDA now employs a CYTAG Coordinator to oversee implementation of this key regional development opportunity area' (CYTAG Website, 6 June 2007).

    Related Entries

    Organisation
  • Cape York Land Council Aboriginal Corporation - Signatory
  • Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation Pty Ltd - Signatory
  • Peninsula Regional Council of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission - Signatory
  • Cook Shire Council - Signatory
  • Far North Queensland Tour Operators Association
  • Cape York Peninsula Development Association - Signatory

  • Glossary

    Framework Agreement | Memorandum of Understanding

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