Native title plan to maximise tourism opportunities for Gippsland Aboriginal community

New walking tracks, signage, eateries and even accommodation are being considered under an ambitious job creation plan Indigenous Australians in Victoria’s Gippsland.

Covering 10 parks and reserves (Buchan Caves Reserve, Corringle Foreshore Reserve, Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, Gippsland Lakes Reserve on Raymond Island, Lake Tyers State Park, The Lakes National Park, Mitchell River National Park, Tarra-Bulga National Park, The Knob Reserve and New Guinea Cave II), the plan follows the Gunaikurnai tribal groups' long battle for native title recognition over much of the region.

Victorian Environment Minister Lily D'Ambrosio is expected to sign off on the historic joint management plan by the middle of this year following consultation with local people.

Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation Chief Executive Roger Fenwick said the plan seeks to promote the ancient culture through new projects and business opportunities, suggesting that the Corporation's headquarters near Lakes Entrance could become a "cultural hub" and include cafes, other meeting spots and training facilities.

Fenwick told the ABC “getting Aboriginal people right at the coalface in terms of making decisions about managing country together with other agencies.”

Damian Britnell from the Gunaikurnai Traditional Owner Land Management Board added “at Buchan Caves Reserve for example, there's an information centre, which at the moment has very little information around Gunaikurnai and Aboriginal culture.

"There's another one at Tarra-Bulga and so there's opportunities to look at these visitors' centres and improve them."

Minister D'Ambrosio has committed the Victorian Government to fund the programs but has yet to commit to a figure.

She advised "our Government's commitment is a genuine one.

"We aim to deliver real, lasting, long-term, sustainable benefits for cultural heritage and economic wellbeing for traditional owners."

Image: Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, courtesy of Visit Victoria.

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