Wagyl Kaip and DBCA celebrate enactment of ‘major cornerstone’ agreement in South West Native Title Settlement

A significant milestone for a new partnership in conservation management within the South West Native Settlement was celebrated last week with Wagyl Kaip and DBCA sitting down for their first meeting. Representatives from Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions met for the first time as a committee to oversee estate management into the future. To mark the occasion, WKSN chairn Jeanice Krakouer and DBCA South Coast regional manager Peter Hartley signed a commemorative certificate. Ms Krakouer said the cooperative management agreements were “a major cornerstone of the South West Native Title Settlement”. “They give Noongar people a seat at the table next to the government to make strategic decisions and provide direct advice on the management of over a third of Noongar boodja, including State forests, nature reserves and national parks. “Prior to the settlement, there was only minimal consultation with Noongar people. “Now we have a true partnership between Noongar people and DBCA.” Ms Krakouer said enabling Noongar people to play a strategic role in protecting and managing land would lead to “significant economic, social, cultural and spiritual outcomes”. “It’s not just Noongars who will benefit — all Western Australians who live in and visit the South West will benefit from Noongar knowledge and traditions becoming embedded in how we protect and manage biodiversity,” she said.