More than $3.2 million to strengthen Native Title organisations

The Australian Government is continuing to invest in native title holding groups, delivering more than $3.2 million to support three Aboriginal Corporations to generate economic benefits for their people.

The Bardi and Jawi Niimidiman Aboriginal Corporation in the Dampier Peninsula in Western Australia will receive $527,175 to engage dedicated staff to implement their inaugural Strategic Plan.

The Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (CLCAC) in the Gulf of Carpentaria region in Queensland is being provided $1,157,748 to support the Gulf Region Aboriginal Corporation Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) realise its aspirations into the future.

And Jun’jarin Pty Ltd is receiving $1,584,616 to support the Wadjanbarra Tableland Yidinji Aboriginal Corporation in the Tablelands region in-land of Cairns in Queensland to develop strong corporate governance, business capabilities and identify economic and investment opportunities.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, said through effective and sustainable management of land, PBCs play a critical role in meeting the aspirations of native title holders.

“This funding will allow sustainable growth and increased independence over the coming years as these PBCs build organisational capacity to take full advantage of the growing economic opportunities in their areas,” Minister Wyatt said.

“The delivery of the Bardi and Jawi Niimidiman Strategic Plan will help improve the organisation’s governance and become more engaged in developing opportunities in the tourism, land and sea management and resources sectors.

“With a secure financial base and organisational framework, they can move forward on their priorities. This includes improving the efficiency of the PBC’s operations, and facilitating greater stakeholder engagement to capitalise on the economic opportunities that current local projects present, such as the sealing of the Cape Leveque road.

“Once these opportunities are realised, these positions are expected to become self-sustaining, providing ongoing employment for Bardi and Jawi people and support to further entrepreneurial activities.

“Through the funding to CLCAC, the Gulf Region Aboriginal Corporation will be able to reduce its reliance on in-kind support, community volunteers and go beyond basic operations for the benefit of the Yangkaal, Kaiadilt, Lardil and Gangalidda people.

“A new administrative position will be established, training provided and specialist support will build the strength of the PBC. This includes an enhanced corporate structure, website development, a 10-year Strategic Plan and 5-year Economic Development and Operational Plan, and a specific business plan for the Birri Resort.”

“And for the Yidinji native title holders, Jun’jarin will help build leadership capability and implement best practice to build local business capacity.

“This will deliver longer term economic and employment outcomes and transition towards sustainable independence for the Wadjanbarra Tableland Yidinji Aboriginal Corporation.”

This funding is part of the Government’s ongoing PBC capacity building program, launched as part of the White Paper on Developing Northern Australia in 2016. The program strengthens the organisations responsible for the interests of native title holders, providing training, access to business and legal advice, and building their long-term expertise to maximise the economic benefits from their land.