Management Plans and Statements

Values – Based management Framework

As you may be already aware parts of the Wooroonooran National Park (the Park) fall on our native title land and our corporation seeks to be a proactive participant in managing those parts of the Park together with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).

Background to Park Management Planning

Management plans and statements are a statutory requirement under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Qld), Marine Parks Act 2004 (Qld) and Recreations Areas Management Act 2006 (Qld) and are developed in line with the Department of Environment and Science’s (the department) Values-Based Management Framework. These plans and statements provide the direction for strategic park planning for a 10-year period.

Along with a legal obligation to conserve natural and cultural values on these areas, the department has custodial obligations under State and Commonwealth legislation to:

• provide safe and appropriate access;

• protect life and property;

• be a good neighbour; and

• work cooperatively with partners across the landscape.

The department’s management plans and statements have a very specific purpose and scope and further information can be found on their website at:

https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/management/plans-strategies/values-based-framework

Planning is based on current knowledge and is operationally focused relating directly to managing conservation and custodial obligations at the park level. Working with the department in the development of the plans and statement as a partner will provide the opportunity for the cultural and environmental values of Dulabed and Malanbarra Yidinji People to be incorporated into the planning and statements for Wooroonooran National Park.

Our corporation partnering with the department

Our corporation has a real opportunity to ensure that the Dulabed Malanbarra and Yidinji People are involved in the park planning process and as such the corporation is actively seeking to meet with QPWS about the planning process.

While face to face meetings due to COVID-19 restrictions are not yet possible our corporation has already advised the department that we are ready, willing and able to participate using technology for the relevant meetings and planning process.

QPWS has already confirmed it will partner with us to develop management plans and statements for those parts of the park our corporation is responsible for. Wooroonooran National Park is very large and there are 5 native title groups in total that have determinations over other parts of it and this is also a really good opportunity for Dulabed and

Malanbarra Yidinji People to be working with our neighbours for the management of the park in accordance with all of our cultural values and the corporation has confirmed to the department that joint discussions and collaboration for the development of the plans and statements should also be considered.

It is all about how our corporation can continue to make sure that the Dulabed and Malanbarra Yidinji Peoples’ aspirations and cultural values are addressed in any planning that occurs on our Country and that no planning takes place without our participation.

Should any of our members have any questions regarding this please do not hesitate to contact us.