- The Palaszczuk Government’s 2023-24 State Budget includes an investment of $14.8 million over 4 years and $3.7 million ongoing annually in additional funding to support the joint management of National Park CYPAL (Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land).
- The funding will improve joint management agreements between Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Traditional Owners and help boost First Nations employment, capacity building and direct management of the National Parks.
The Palaszczuk Government’s 2023-24 State Budget includes additional funding to help protect the breathtaking beauty, rugged landscapes and cultural values of Cape York Peninsula for future generations.
Visiting The Cape this week, Environment Minister Leanne Linard said the budget also includes an investment to support the joint management of Cape York’s national parks between the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Traditional Owners.
This includes:
- $8.6 million over the next four years and $2.3 million ongoing for Cape York Indigenous Management Agreements (IMAs)
- $2.6 million over the next four years and $0.9 million ongoing to enable greater transfer of management responsibility for Cape York Peninsula national parks to Traditional Owners
- $3.6 million over the next four years and $0.5 million ongoing to review ongoing IMAs and Indigenous Land Use Agreements.
Joint management arrangements for National Park CYPAL are established through the development of an IMA and a park management statement or management plan.
The funding will provide additional resources for Cape York’s 34 national parks and 19 IMAs and will increase First Nations employment as well as provide training and accreditation for IMA partner organisations.
Funding benefits include strengthened fire and pest management, cultural heritage management and park planning, compliance, asset construction and maintenance of Cape York’s protected area.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Minister for Science and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Leanne Linard:
“This additional investment of $14.8 million over the next four years with an ongoing commitment of $3.7 million annually will ensure Cape York Peninsula’s iconic natural assets are protected while nurturing the rich and diverse cultural values of First Nations groups across this vast and unique region.
“The funding will also ensure the meaningful partnerships between Traditional Owners and the Palaszczuk Government will create an enduring legacy.
“Protecting the abundant natural gifts of Cape York Peninsula through partnership agreements will also enshrine the cultural values and connection Traditional Owners have with their sacred lands.
Quotes attributable to Member for Cook, Cynthia Lui:
“This budget allocation is an important step in the State’s Path to Treaty, where land justice paves the way for all people in Queensland to flourish and prosper together.
“The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service will continue to support the joint management of national parks and will work with the Land Corporations and Land Trusts to boost First Nations employment to protect the natural and cultural values of Cape York.
“This funding is in addition to the Palaszczuk Government’s record investment of $262.5 million to expand and create new national parks.
“And Queensland’s Protected Area Strategy 2020-2030 will continue to support the expansion and management of our national parks and protected areas.”
Quotes attributable to Olkola Aboriginal Corporation CEO Debbie Symonds:
“The commitment of extra funding to national parks across Cape York is a much-needed boost for us as traditional owners.
“It empowers traditional owners by providing resources and support to improve skills, knowledge, and abilities in managing and preserving parks culturally and in line with traditional lore and customs.
“A stronger relationship with QPWS can facilitate a more active role in the decision-making processes and acknowledges our profound connection with the land and our unique perspectives on conservation.
“The funding initiative is designed to safeguard the natural and cultural heritage of Cape York’s national parks for current and future generations.
“By involving Traditional Owners in the management process, it not only preserves the ecological integrity of the parks but also ensures that the land’s cultural significance and Indigenous knowledge are respected and protected.”
Quote attributable to Balkanu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation CEO Waubin Aken:
“The Balkanu team is proud of our successes since 2007 in working with traditional owners and the State to establish joint management arrangements over the Cape York National Parks.”
