ABORIGINAL INVOLVEMENT IN FOREST MANAGEMENT. 5.1.1 Co-management arrangements and joint ventures The spiritual importance of land to the Aboriginal community, and the inseparability of natural heritage and cultural heritage* to Aboriginal people are recognised and acknowledged. It is recognised that Aboriginal people are the custodians of their own culture. Hence the Government is committed to establishing effective working relationships with Aboriginal communities concerning the ownership and management of land. SFNSW* and NPWS* must progressively negotiate joint management arrangements with local Aboriginal communities. These arrangements must enable Aboriginal people to be involved in the strategic management of their traditional country and explore opportunities for joint ventures that promote recognition, awareness and respect for Aboriginal cultural heritage*. These arrangements must be completed by 31 December 2006, with annual reporting to Resource and Conservation Division of DoP* on progressive achievement for this milestone. Other ventures likely to generate mutual benefits to the Aboriginal, as well as the wider, community must also be considered. Where further analysis indicates the feasibility of ventures, project plans must be developed and implemented. NPWS* will conduct an assessment of all new reserves declared within the Southern Region to identify priority areas that could be added to Schedule 14 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, when and if nominated. Schedule 14 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 lists lands of cultural significance to Aboriginal people which may be considered by Parliament for transfer of ownership to appropriate Aboriginal people and lease back to NPWS* for management purposes. Together with the relevant Aboriginal communities, SFNSW* will examine any State forest* that could be considered for co-management or joint venture arrangements by 31 December 2004. NPWS* and SFNSW* must prepare a joint strategy which will include how Aboriginal communities can gain access to materials for art and craft purposes, food sources and medicine; access to firewood and opportunities for traditional use and cultural activity. The strategy may involve camping rights, fee exemptions and rights to people with traditional cultural links with particular areas. This strategy must be prepared by 31 December 2003.
