Consultation to develop a new model for Aboriginal joint management

Broad consultation with Aboriginal communities and other stakeholders will inform the development of a new model for Aboriginal joint management for NSW national parks.

Work on Aboriginal joint management reform is underway, with consultation being conducted in 3 stages.

Stage 1

  • Stage 1 of the project involved consultation with Aboriginal people including regional Aboriginal communities across the state and members of the National Parks and Wildlife Service Custodian Network who currently hold joint management agreements with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
  • National Parks and Wildlife Service consulted with over 600 Aboriginal people about their aspirations for joint management and what they see as the important considerations to continue or to improve.
  • Thirty workshops were held between September 2022 and May 2023, including 11 workshops with the National Parks and Wildlife Service Custodians Network, and 19 workshops with Aboriginal people not currently involved in joint management.
  • Opportunities were provided for Aboriginal stakeholders who could not make it in person to have their say, including through an online survey and online workshops.
  • Stage 1 also involved consultation with key stakeholder groups, and the formation of consultative and reference groups.
  • For more information, including reports, go to our Resources webpage.

Stage 2

  • Stage 2 of the consultation process has not yet commenced. The consultation process is taking longer that initially planned, but it’s important to take the time to get it right.
  • Stage 2 will involve further consultation with Aboriginal communities and other stakeholders who use and value national parks to develop options for improved joint management arrangements that can potentially be implemented across all national parks in New South Wales. Importantly, this stage will align closely with the NSW Closing the Gap framework, including working with the NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations to design and deliver an inclusive community-led consultation.
  • Watch this space for updates.

Stage 3 consultation

  • Stage 3 will include a public exhibition process to enable everyone to have a say on what a future for strengthened joint management looks like.
  • Please refer back to this webpage for future updates.

Register for updates


Subscribe to the Aboriginal joint management newsletter and stay up to date with the latest news.

Subscribe

More information