Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley has delivered on commitments to support the increase of Indigenous representation and governance at Kakadu National Park with the approval of a newly expanded Board of Management.
The Kakadu Board of Management's total membership will grow from 15 to 21 - with the number of Traditional Owner positions increasing from 10 to 16, further strengthening their majority position on the board.
Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said the decision to expand the Board of Management follows lengthy consultation with Traditional Owners, a detailed review of Park Management structures and improved dialogue between all parties.
"We have made this significant decision following recommendations from the Northern Land Council after extensive consultation with Traditional Owners. It will ensure there is strong representation from a broader group of Traditional Owners on the Board," Minister Ley said.
"In my meetings with Traditional Owners it was felt that expanding the Board to include all 16 Traditional Owner representatives, the Traditional Owner groups in the Kakadu region, would give them an even stronger voice in decision-making at the jointly managed park and confidence their voice was being heard.
"We believe this change will result in more equitable representation of the diverse Aboriginal Traditional Owner groups in Kakadu National Park."
The process to expand the Kakadu Board of Management is underway with the Northern Land Council taking responsibility for identifying and selecting suitable candidates to represent the views of Traditional Owners.
The Kakadu National Park Board of Management is established under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. The Board's role is to prepare management plans for the UNESCO World Heritage Listed park, make decisions to implement those plans, monitor operations and provide advice to the Minister.
The Board of Management's other responsibilities include advising the Minister for the Environment on the future development of Kakadu, preparing the plan of management for Kakadu and ensuring strategic decision-making is consistent with that plan.
Once finalised, the new 21-member Board will have 16 Traditional Owner representatives who will be joined by the Acting Director of National Parks, Jody Swirepik, and the Assistant Secretary for Kakadu National Park along with representatives from conservation, tourism and the Northern Territory Government.
Acting Director of National Parks, Jody Swirepik said that she looked forward to working closely with the new Kakadu Board of Management members and those members returning for another term.
"The increased representation from a range of Traditional Owner groups ensures that the views of Traditional Owners across this immense region can be heard," Ms Swirepik said.
"This new Board will help capture the knowledge and wisdom held in every corner of Kakadu.
"Joint management is about Bininj/Mungguy and Parks Australia working together, solving problems, sharing decision making and exchanging knowledge, skills and information.
"We look forward to the Board's increased representation of Traditional Owners bringing a broad spectrum of experience and knowledge to the management of Kakadu National Park."
The new Kakadu Board of Management is expected to meet for the first time in July 2021 when a new board chairperson will be selected.
