The State Government has joined forces with an Albany based natural resource management firm in support of the development of Aboriginal agribusiness in the Great Southern.
South Coast Natural Resource Management was engaged by DevelopmentWA to lead a team of Aboriginal horticulturists to collect native flora seeds from Emu Point for preservation and cultivation.
Seeds from 34 plant species were collected over many months and have been donated to the Gnowangerup Aboriginal Corporation, which has established a not-for-profit nursery that specialises in cultivating native species for local and State-wide markets.
Funding under the Australian Government National Landcare Program's Regional Land Partnerships has enabled South Coast Natural Resource Management to invest in training and upskilling for Aboriginal agricultural businesses and further encourage meaningful engagement in the region.
Importantly, the overall objective is to help businesses lay the foundations for self-sustaining economic viability.
The seed initiative is part of DevelopmentWA's planning for the Emu Point residential estate and reflects the agency's Reconciliation Action Plan.
As stated by Lands Minister Ben Wyatt:
"I congratulate South Coast Natural Resource Management and Gnowangerup Aboriginal Corporation on their work on this wonderful initiative.
"This is an excellent example of practical steps that can be taken to support the creation of local jobs and provide training opportunities for local Aboriginal people who want to develop specialised skills for harvesting, cultivating and replanting native flora species, many of which are considered difficult to propagate.
"In addition to the environmental, economic and cultural outcomes of DevelopmentWA's Emu Point seed program, it is also demonstrating the tangible benefits of organisations embracing Reconciliation Action Plans."
