Aboriginal NRM

The aim of the Aboriginal NRM Program aim is to work with the Aboriginal community to manage natural values on country and enhance awareness of Aboriginal cultural heritage in natural resource management.

The Big Picture

The NRM North region encompasses the lands of several traditional owner groups. NRM North acknowledges and respects the traditional custodians and their deep spiritual attachment to country, and values the knowledge and contribution Aboriginal people make towards natural resource management. NRM North recognises Aboriginal cultural values and land management practices are critical to the management of the region’s natural resources.

truwana lagoon

East Coast Cape Barren Island Lagoons (ECCBIL) have been given Ramsar status.

Aunty Patsy Cameron

Aboriginal Elder Aunty Patsy Cameron sharing cultural knowledge with staff from NRM North.

Strategic Focus

The focus of the Aboriginal NRM Program is to work in collaboration with the Aboriginal community to facilitate natural resource management on country and improve awareness and consideration of Aboriginal cultural heritage in natural resource management planning, use and development.

The strategic outcomes that NRM North will focus on between 2015-2025 include:

  • increasing Aboriginal community capacity to implement Healthy Country Plans and provide opportunities for continuation of tunapri and cultural knowledge;
  • supporting the Aboriginal community to implement priority actions for the management of cultural and natural values and Healthy Country Plans;
  • supporting the Aboriginal community to protect heritage sites and landscapes outside of land management plans; and
  • supporting the Aboriginal community to raise awareness with land managers, planners and recreational users to increase knowledge and recognition of Aboriginal cultural heritage values in natural resource management.

You can learn more about the Aboriginal NRM Program in the NRM North Strategic Plan 2019-2023.