A significant agreement signed today between the McGowan Government, tourism operator G'Day Group, and the Ngarinyin people of the East Kimberley is a major boost to the region's continued social and economic growth.
In a signing ceremony today at Parliament House, Lands Minister John Carey and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Tony Buti were joined by signatories to the Indigenous Land Use Agreement, the Wilinggin Aboriginal Corporation, representing the Traditional Owners, and CEO Grant Wilckens, representing the G'Day Group.
The Indigenous Land Use Agreement will see around 165,000 hectares of El Questro, south of the Gibb River Road, converted from pastoral lease to freehold and reserve.
Under the terms of the agreement, El Questro Station and Wilderness Park, which has been a popular tourist destination for many years, will be leased back to the G'Day Group by the Traditional Owners.
As part of the 99-year lease, the tourism operator will contribute to the social and economic growth of the region by providing training, development, and employment opportunities for local young people.
As stated by Lands Minister John Carey:
"The McGowan Government is deeply proud to support the El Questro Wilinggin Indigenous Land Use Agreement which will see positive outcomes for both the Traditional Owners and the tourism industry.
"The conversion of tenure over the majority of the El Questro pastoral lease has the potential to attract further investment in our State's magnificent Kimberley region.
"This agreement will not only ensure economic activity continues to flow through to the wider region, but it also sets out to be environmentally responsible through sustainable land use and management practices."
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti:
"This landmark agreement provides sustainable and lasting opportunities for the Traditional Owners, the Ngarinyin people.
"It represents the potential for greater economic independence and self-determination for the Ngarinyin people, for today, and long into the future."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"I'm proud to be part of the McGowan Government as we have finalised this historic Indigenous Land Use Agreement with the Ngarinyin people of the East Kimberley and G'Day Group.
"This agreement will also provide job opportunities for people in the Kimberley, while ensuring the Kimberley region continues its economic and social growth into the future."
