YINGGARDA PEOPLE AND STATE GOVERNMENT TO CO-MANAGE NATIONAL PARKS

BY GERARD MAZZA

Environment Minister Reece Whitby visited Yinggarda country this week for the signing of an Indigenous Land Use Agreement. Credit: Rennee Turner.

In the Gascoyne on Wednesday, the Yinggarda people signed an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) to co-manage national parks on their country with the state government.

The agreement between the Yinggarda Aboriginal Corporation and the Department of Biodiversity Conservations and Attractions (DBCA) is a step towards expanding the Kennedy Range National Park and creating the new Pimbee National Park.

Yingaarda Traditional Custodian Rennee Turner said she was excited to care for country with DBCA.

“I’m very grateful and very humbled,” she said.

“We've got modern science, and the modern world of Parks and Wildlife, and our ancient knowledge that will be working together to manage, care, and maintain our beautiful Bunna, our beautiful country.”

Environment Minister Reece Whitby and Lands Minister John Carey visited Yinggarda country on Wednesday to sign the agreement.

On Facebook, Minister Whitby said it it was a “hot but rewarding visit” and offered his “big congratulations to everyone involved in this milestone.”

He said the new and expanded parks would add a further 270,000 hectares to WA’s conservation estate.

A DBCA spokesperson said the ILUA will now be lodged with the National Native Title Tribunal for registration and the new and expanded national parks will be created later this year.

“The agreement will open up employment and training opportunities on country and the potential to expand cultural tourism in the region,” they said.

The ILUA was signed on Yingaarda country. Credit: Rennee Turner.