Traditional owners to jointly manage six Victorian National Parks

The Victorian Government has announced that it is to work with Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners to jointly manage six parks in Loddon Mallee, under its second Joint Management Plan.

Introducing the new management plan, Victorian Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio today joined the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and the Dhelkunya Dja Land Management Board to launch the Dja Dja Wurrung Joint Management Plan (JMP), preserving Traditional Owners’ strong connection to lands and waterways.

The plan involves Dja Dja Wurrung peoples working in partnership with the Labor Government to manage six parks under Aboriginal title in Loddon Mallee. The partnership will deliver future opportunities for knowledge sharing, employment and education, and improve park visitor experiences.

Minister D’Ambrosio advised “this plan recognises the importance of Traditional Owners in helping to manage the future of these parks.”

“We’re protecting these landscapes for future generations, while creating local opportunities for jobs, education and training.”

Welcoming the new arrangements, Dhelkunya Dja Land Management Board Chair Graham Atkinson advised “today’s launch breaks new ground for settling the unfinished business that has stood between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people of this country for nearly 160 years.”

“The future of these six Dja Dja Wurrung Parks looks very promising through their Joint Management by the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and the Victorian Government.”

The parks included in the plan are the Greater Bendigo National Park; Hepburn Regional Park; Kara Kara National Park; Kooyoora State Park; Paddys Ranges State Park and Wehla Nature Conservation Reserve.

Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation Chair Trent Nelson added “jJoint management will help establish trust between Djaara and the State, and the inclusion of culturally appropriate management will provide a more worthwhile and captivating visitor experience and increase the value of these parks.”

For more information go to dhelkunyadja.org.au