Millions to protect WA Indigenous cultural heritage

The Western Australian government will spend $77 million in a bid to better protect and manage the state's Indigenous cultural heritage following the destruction of Juukan Gorge rock shelters.

The funding, that will be included in the 2023-24 state budget in May, includes support for Aboriginal organisations to make decisions about their Country and cultural heritage.

It will be rolled out over the next four years and supports so-called Local Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Services under the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021, that comes into effect on July 1.

"For the first time in more than 50 years, (WA) will have a modern legislative framework for the protection and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage," Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti said.

Indigenous heritage groups will be eligible for up to $300,000 per year to help them provide advice on Aboriginal cultural heritage and negotiate and facilitate agreement-making on land-use.

"We expect the first LACHS to be designated by the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Council over the coming months and look forward to supporting these newly appointed organisations to build their capacity and prepare for the new system," Dr Buti said.

The funding will also support government services, including management of protected areas, maintaining a database of culturally important places and supporting the repatriation of ancestral remains.

Mining giant Rio Tinto blew up 46,000-year-old Juukan Gorge caves in May 2020, devastating the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people in the Pilbara.