Stronger bonds with the local Aboriginal community and better residential infrastructure were big winners from an historic agreement signed in Kempsey on Friday.
Kempsey Shire Council and the Kempsey Local Aboriginal Land Council struck their first ever Deed of Agreement. This agreement enables Kempsey Shire Council to acquire land in Stuarts Point crucial to the delivery of the sewer project in the area.
Following comprehensive negotiations between Kempsey Shire Council, Kempsey Local Aboriginal Land Council and the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council, Kempsey Local Aboriginal Land Council have agreed to withdraw their undetermined land claims to allow for the construction of a Sewerage Treatment Plant for the community of Stuarts Point.
Kempsey Local Aboriginal Land Council Chief Executive Officer, Greg Douglas emphasised the lengthy process that brought them to this significant occasion and thanked the community members and the members of the Local Aboriginal Land Council involved to make this happen.
"I would really like to acknowledge our members and community members because they were important to the process and when they saw what it meant, at the end of the day they were very supportive," said Mr Douglas.
Kempsey Shire Council General Manager, Craig Milburn celebrated the teamwork and cooperation of the Kempsey Local Aboriginal Land Council and looks forward to strengthening this relationship.
"It has been a really positive journey and we're looking forward to working the Kempsey Local Aboriginal Council in the future," said Mr Milburn.
Kempsey Shire Council Mayor, Liz Campbell praised the consultations between the parties to reach an agreement.
"From the whole community, our thanks go to both Mr Douglas and Mr Milburn for the professionalism that you've brought to this", said Mayor Campbell.
"For us to have this land, to be able to provide the sewer that we need for Stuarts Point and to also provide the benefit for our Local Aboriginal Land Council will be a benefit to all of our people."
Kempsey Shire Council has been granted $6.63 million in funding to help construct the Stuarts Point Sewerage Scheme under the NSW Government's Regional Water and Waste Water Backlog Program.
The scheme will have a positive environmental impact, eliminating odours and water quality issues associated with wet weather overflows due to the area's shallow groundwater tables.
