Senator the Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water
Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy, Minister for Indigenous Australians
Marion Scrymgour MP, Member for Lingiari
Changes to leasing arrangements at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park have been agreed between the Australian Government and Anangu Traditional Owners, strengthening joint management and increasing revenue sharing arrangements with Anangu.
The head lease sets out how the park is jointly managed between Anangu and the Australian Government through the Director of National Parks. This is the first variation since the early 1990s.
The new variation delivers on updated financial arrangements, so that Anangu Traditional Owners will now receive 50 percent of park revenue, up from 25 percent, to reflect current market values and increasing visitor activity.
Importantly, it also introduces meaningful non-financial provisions, including a new set of joint management principles that reinforce respect for Tjukurpa (Anangu law), increase Anangu involvement in decision-making, and support Anangu social and economic wellbeing through park operations.
Other key commitments include further protections for sacred sites, expanded Anangu employment opportunities, mandatory cultural awareness training for park staff, and new measures for recognising Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property.
The new variation is the result of long-term discussions and negotiation between the Australian Government, the Director of National Parks, the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Aboriginal Land Trust, and the Central Land Council.
Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the changes represent a major step forward in joint management and the long-term protection of one of Australia's most culturally important landscapes.
"The updated lease demonstrates a commitment to working in partnership with Anangu and reflects what Anangu have been asking for - stronger cultural protections, greater involvement in decision making, and more opportunities for employment and enterprise at the park," Minister Watt said.
"These changes ensure the park continues to be managed in a way that respects Tjukurpa and the cultural authority of the Traditional Owners.
"I want to recognise the efforts of the Director of National Parks Ricky Archer, the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Aboriginal Land Trust and the Central Land Council in coming to this agreement."
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said these changes to leasing arrangements at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park are the result of many years of consultation and work between Anangu Traditional Owners, the Central Land Council and the Director of National Parks.
"They strengthen joint management of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, improve protections of sacred sites and ensure Anangu Traditional Owners have a greater say in decision making," Minister McCarthy said.
"Importantly, they also deliver increased economic benefits to Anangu and their communities including expanded employment opportunities."
Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour said Aṉangu Traditional Owners have been custodians of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park since time immemorial.
"The park is a world-class tourist attraction but also plays a huge role in traditional law and culture."
"The revenue from park entries goes towards building up communities right across the south-west of Central Australia, and I welcome this new agreement which will see more investment driven by Traditional Owners.
"I would like to thank Traditional Owners, the Central Land Council and the Director of National Parks for coming together to secure this historic agreement."
The variation to the head lease has been formally approved under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a living cultural landscape with dual UNESCO World Heritage listings in recognition of its outstanding cultural and natural values.
