ATNS - Agreements, Treaties and Negotiated Settlements project

Back to search results

Print this page
Mungo National Park Joint Management Agreement
Date:	1 March 2001
Sub Category:	Joint Management Agreement
Place:	Willandra Lakes Region
	Click this link to search this location with google maps
State/Country:	New South Wales, Australia
	Click this link to search this location with google maps
Subject Matter:	\| Cultural Heritage \| Environmental Heritage \| Land Management \| Recognition of Traditional Rights and Interests
URL:	http://www3.environment.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Mungo+National+Park+Joint+Management+Agreement+with+the+Three+Traditional+Tribal+Groups+Elders+Council
Summary Information:
The Mungo National Park Joint Management Agreement was made between the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the Three Traditional Tribal Groups Elders Council, on behalf of the Barkindji, Mutthi Mutthi and Nyiampaa tribes. To formalise the involvement of traditional owners in the management of Mungo National Park, the NPWS entered into discussions with the Elders Council and other Aboriginal community members about options for co-management. After extensive consultation, the agreement was ratified by the Elders Council on 24 March 2001.
Detailed Information:
Mungo National Park is wholly contained within the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area (WHA). In the WHA's comprehensive plan of management, all of the traditional tribal groups who occupy lands within the boundaries were identified. Instead of dividing up the WHA on a tribal basis, the three tribal groups developed a concept of 'shared heritage' and formed the Three Traditional Tribal Groups Elders Council. After consultations between the Elders Council and the NPWS, a joint management advisory committee was decided upon as an option for co-management of the park. The Mungo National Park Advisory Committee was established and consists of a majority of traditional owners who advise the NPWS. The Committee meets regularly to discuss the management of the park and to provide advice to the NPWS on issues including: - The plan of management; - Any licences for commercial tour operations on the park; - Contracts for work on the park; and - Employment within the park. Under the agreement, the NPWS will also ensure that employees attend a cross-cultural awareness program and that Aboriginal employees involved in administration, care control or management of the park shall receive training in their work. Mungo National Park is listed on Schedule 14 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NSW) which means it can be returned to Aboriginal ownership and leased back by the NPWS. However, at this stage, the Aboriginal community has decided not to pursue full joint management.