Aboriginal co-management of parks
The NPWS acknowledges that the indigenous peoples of Australia are the original custodians of the lands and waters, animals and plants of New South Wales and its many and varied landscapes. The NPWS staff Statement of Reconciliation gives a commitment to invite greater involvement of Aboriginal communities in the management of all areas under NPWS control. The Director-General and Executive of the NPWS have endorsed the statement and have undertaken to incorporate these commitments in all dealings with Aboriginal communities and future heritage and conservation initiatives.
One way to do this is through Aboriginal co-management of national parks, reserves and other areas. Under an Aboriginal co-management arrangement, the government and local Aboriginal people share responsibility for a park's management. The aim is to ensure that Aboriginal people have the opportunity to participate in planning and decision making for the park, reserve or area, while maintaining access to parks for everyone.
The NPWS is working with Aboriginal people across the state to develop a range of co-management and partnership agreements to ensure the continuing practice of traditional and contemporary culture in the management of land. Aboriginal co-management fosters stronger relationships between the NPWS and Aboriginal communities and provides benefits to the parks system, the Aboriginal people and broader community of NSW.
Potential benefits of Aboriginal co-management
See how co-management can advantage Aboriginal communities, biodiversity conservation, park visitors and the NPWS.
Which parks are co-managed in NSW?
See a map, find out what co-management arrangements are in place, and get more information on specific parks.
Aboriginal people's relationship with their country
The lives and spirituality of Aboriginal people are linked to the land, giving them a special relationship with their local parks and reserves. Read statements from Aboriginal custodians about their relationship with their country.
How does Aboriginal co-management of parks work?
Local Aboriginal communities and the NPWS can work together in many areas of park management. Find out more.
Aboriginal co-management options
These include memoranda of understanding, indigenous land use agreements, lease-back agreements or more informal arrangements with the NPWS.
Proceedings of the 2006 Aboriginal co-management meeting
With Aboriginal people sharing the management of ten national parks across NSW, 140 people - including representatives from 19 Aboriginal communities and Department of Environment and Climage Change staff from around the state - met in Wentworth and Mungo National Park in April 2006. Read about the proceedings of this meeting.
Co-management agreements currently under negotiation
Get more information on areas where co-management agreements are currently being negotiated with local Aboriginal communities.
Newsletters
Read issues of the newsletter for Aboriginal co-management of parks on the south coast of NSW.