NSW Government
Environment and Heritage

Aboriginal joint management of parks

Aboriginal joint management is an arrangement between the state and Aboriginal owners and Custodians to share responsibility for the management of national parks, reserves and other areas.

Duffer Creek, Gibraltar Range National Park on the Gibraltar Washpool World Heritage Walk
Duffer Creek Gibraltar Range National Park on the Gibraltar Washpool World Heritage Walk.
Credit: Rob Cleary/Seen Australia
A panoramic view taken from Ngiyambaa walking track, Mount Grenfell Historic Site. Deep red-earth coloured rocks make up the foreground, mixed with some wild shrubbery, with abundant light green vegetation, shrubs and trees making up the background. The sky is a beautiful bright blue with few clouds in the far distance.
Ngiyambaa walking track, Mount Grenfell Historic Site.
Credit: Jenna Hore/NSW Government Mount
Aboriginal park partnerships

We engage in partnerships with Aboriginal peoples and recognise them as traditional custodians of their Country.

A stunning view of South Beach in Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park, featuring a pristine sandy shoreline curving along the coast with gentle waves rolling in from the turquoise ocean. Lush green vegetation and coastal bushland border the beach, creating a natural, untouched landscape. The sky is clear with a few scattered clouds, enhancing the serene and unspoiled beauty of the scene. This tranquil beach captures the essence of Australia’s coastal wilderness, offering a picturesque scene.
Aerial view of Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park.
Credit: L Orel/NSW Government
About joint management

Joint management of our parks and reserves involves Aboriginal people and our staff working together to protect our natural and cultural heritage.

Lookout view from Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve. The view consists of trees and bushes of varying sizes in the foreground, which are various shades of green and mustard yellow. The trees stretch into the background as the mountainous terrain becomes more striking. The sun shines throughout the scene, and the mountains slope dramatically in the far background.
Lookout view Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve.
Credit: Stephen Babka/DPE
How joint management works

We form agreements with Aboriginal communities to cooperatively manage and protect national parks and reserves.

Sand dunes on worimi conservation lands. Their appearance is striking and grand, with intricate details including gentle ripples across the sand dunes, showcasing the fragile and mesmerising movement of sand across the dunes. The sun shines brightly casting various shadows across the dunes, creating a dramatically beautiful scene.
Sand dunes, Worimi National Park.
Credit: Barry Collier
Purpose of joint management

The joint management of parks aims to protect and sustain our parks and reserves, and support Aboriginal culture and practice.

Biamanga National Park
Biamanga National Park.
Credit: John Spencer/DPE
Search agreements

Search memoranda of understanding for Aboriginal joint management, lease-back agreements and Indigenous land use agreements.

An expressive artwork titled Yirrayirra Waga-Dyi features traditional Aboriginal patterns with vibrant colours like red, yellow, blue, and black. The painting includes intricate dots, lines, and organic shapes, symbolising connections to land, water, and cultural stories. Flowing in circular and wave-like patterns, the artwork captures themes of nature and ancestral heritage. Its dynamic composition and earthy tones celebrate Aboriginal cultural heritage, showcasing the depth and storytelling.
Yirrayirra Waga-dyi 'Bush Dance'.
Credit: Nathan Peckham
Developing a new model

We are seeking to expand and strengthen joint management partnerships with Aboriginal communities.