The Ballina Shire Council says it finalised a partnership agreement with the Jali Local Aboriginal Land Council earlier this month.
The agreement made on 1 December recognises the Nyangbul people of the Bundjalung nation as the First People of the Ballina Shire, saying they are collectively acknowledged as the traditional custodians of the area’s land, waters and sky.
The agreement includes the Ballina Shire Council engaging an Aboriginal cultural projects officer but doesn’t state a deadline.
It says the Ballina Shire Council will engage with Jali at the concept stages and beginning of council works or development proposals, to ensure cultural sensitivities and opportunities are understood and factored into scope at the planning and design phase.
Nyangbul inclusion in Ballina council planning
The cultural, economic and social well-being of the Aboriginal community and the Nyangbul peoples’ ongoing connection to Country is to be prioritised in developing local strategic plans, growth management strategies, economic development plans and other initiatives for the shire.
The partnership has three key parts, as directly quoted from the document, below:
Firstly, commitments from both parties to approach engagement from a relational basis in a consistent and meaningful way to achieve agreed outcomes.
Secondly, a framework to identify, understand and protect Nyangbul cultural values, both tangible and intangible, in the Ballina Shire.
Thirdly, outlining how commitment to the partnership will translate to key decision-making and day-to-day operations.
The partnership was signed by the Ballina Shire mayor and the Jali Local Aboriginal Land Council chairperson on 1 December.
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