Western Australia Minister for Environment Donna Faragher

Historic Agreement Delivers Conservation Outcomes for Broome

Victor P Taffa

Registration of the Global Agreement between the Yawuru people, the Shire of Broome and the State of Western Australia, believed to be the biggest Native Title Agreement in Australia, was today officially celebrated at a ceremony in Broome.

In officiating at the ceremony, Environment Minister Donna Faragher said it was an important milestone for the State Government and the Yawuru people.

“This significant agreement recognises the Yawuru people as the traditional owners of the land and sea around Broome.” Mrs. Faragher said.

“Immediately following registration, the first benefits from the Yawuru Agreement were transferred to the Yawuru community, including $29 Million which will be used for capacity building, economic development, cultural preservation and social housing.”

In highlighting the outcomes of the Yawuru Agreement, Mrs. Faragher said $12 Million would be provided across the next five years for joint management of conservation areas, with benefits to flow immediately to the Yawuru people.

“One of the main goals of the agreement is to provide opportunities for Aboriginal people to work on their own country and be involved in decision-making on how that country is managed.” the Minister said.

“DEC has already started the process of recruiting Aboriginal conservation officers who will be directly engaged in conservation management.”

Mrs. Faragher said the funding would also lead to the employment of more Aboriginal rangers, the construction of recreational facilities in the region and the preparation of long-term management plans.

The agreement formalises joint management of lands and waters in and around Broome between the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) and the Yawuru, who had their native title rights recognised by the Federal Court in 2006.