In response to the aspirations of Traditional Owners of the Wet
Tropics NRM region, it was recognised that a document outlining
their cultural and natural resource management requirements and
priorities should form part of the overall regional plan for NRM
investment.
In September 2004, following a three-year community engagement
and write-up phase, a draft 'Aboriginal Plan' and summary was sent
to Traditional Owners and key organisations throughout the Wet
Tropics region seeking feedback and submissions from individuals,
groups and organisations. A series of workshops were held
between October and November 2004 thorughout northeastern
Queensland to enable Traditional Owners to discuss the draft plan
and allow for further development. In March 2005, a one-day
workshop held in Cairns saw the Traditional Owner Advisory
Committee's endorsement of a draft Aboriginal Plan, summary poster,
CD-ROM, DVD and website.
Caring for Country and Culture: The Wet Tropics Aboriginal
Cultural and Natural Resource Management Plan (The Aboriginal Plan)
was officially launched on 29 April 2005 in Innisfail, North
Queensland, in conjunction with the launch of the Wet Tropics World
Heritage Area Regional Agreement, by Traditional Owners, FNQ NRM
Ltd and the Rainforest CRC.
The Aboriginal Plan takes a different approach to other NRM
plans in that it focuses on social, cultural and economic
dimensions of NRM. It is a blueprint that outlines a clear
way forward for all levels of government and the broader community
to develop equitable partnerships with Aboriginal peoples to
address a wide range of social, cultural, environmental and
economic issues. The Aboriginal Plan raises national
awareness of the pivotal role Traditional Owners play in the
ecologically sustainable development of northern Australia and aims
to increase opportunities for and involvement of Indigenous peoples
in local and regional resource management.
