Aboriginal economic development in Western Australia has been given a boost with the McGowan Government granting sole management of an East Kimberley reserve to traditional owners.
Lands Minister Ben Wyatt today announced the Yawoorroong Miriuwung Gajerrong Yirrgeb Noong Dawang Aboriginal Corporation (MG Corporation), representing traditional owners for the East Kimberley sub-region, has been granted sole management authority of an East Kimberley reserve of approximately 125,000 hectares.
The change in management fulfils an Ord Final Agreement commitment, dating back to mid-2015, to allow MG Corporation to take over sole management of the reserve which had previously been shared with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
The reserve was originally resumed from the pastoral estate and created as a reserve in the 1970s to support Ord River irrigation works, better manage soil erosion and enhance the traditional culture of the Miriuwung Gajerrong People.
As stated by Lands Minister Ben Wyatt:
“Today’s announcement underpins the McGowan Government’s commitment to supporting the economic and cultural development of Aboriginal people through this uncertain time.
“MG Corporation has provided a management plan which will ensure the appropriate care of the reserve is continued in relation to its land and its people.
“This decision not only provides opportunities for traditional owners to sustainably manage their land but we are fulfilling a long standing Ord Final Agreement commitment.”
