Vol. No. Vol. 2618No. 9 27
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Wednesday, 13, 2023 2016 Wednesday,January August 30,
GREAT POTENTIAL: A visit from CR Kennedy drone wrangler Tim Hamond caused excitement at Murtoa’s Stick Shed last week. A drone-mapped, three-dimensional model of the Stick Shed will guide maintenance priorities of the historic structure. Story, page 5. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Partnered approach BY SEAN O’CONNELL
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Wimmera Aboriginal corporation has clarified the aims of an agreement signed by Traditional Owners and State Government amid recent conjecture surrounding its implementation.
The ‘Recognition and Settlement Agreement’ formalised between Barengi Gadjin Land Council and State Government in October, outlined a number of practices, including co-management, local council cooperation and enhanced employment opportunities.
BGLC chairperson Dylan Clarke said the implementation of the agreement now allows First Nations people to be more involved in certain matters of land and resources, as well as work towards economic independence. Mr Clarke said practices of comanagement of land and resources mentioned in the agreement, between BGLC and other parties, were critical to the work of the corporation going forward. “It allows us to have input into how land and resources are maintained, to include cultural values and intrinsic knowledge of country,” he said.
Mr Clarke said shared management would allow better practices to be implemented, to the benefit of natural resources. “It’s about making it better for the environment, our community and also ensuring we have our say,” he said. “For too long, we’ve seen some drastic impacts on flora and fauna, including some that have died out. “Part of the solution is having balance between who is involved.” Mr Clarke said the 10 council areas that fall within the remit of the agreement, including Horsham and Ararat rural cities, and West Wimmera,
Hindmarsh and Yarriambiack shires, would have opportunities to work with BGLC. “We’ve been open to negotiating or talking to councils,” he said. “I think it needs to be more of a partnered approach. We’re open to talking about all the issues – big or small. There are groups who have already entered into agreements with other councils.” Yarriambiack Shire mayor Kylie Zanker said the council’s positive relationship with BGLC would continue as a result of the agreement, including through the Local Government En-
gagement Strategy, which asks local governments to enhance relationships and provide opportunities for First Nations people. “The ‘Recognition and Settlement Agreement’, specifically the Local Government Engagement Strategy, provides structure for actions and initiatives that we, as council are already completing, such as acknowledgement of country, consultation with Traditional Owners on projects and collaborating on advocacy, strategies and events,” Cr Zanker said. Continued page 3
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