Biamanga National Park joint management program

The area spans over 13,000ha near Bega, on the traditional Country of the Yuin (Djuwin) People.

Mumbulla Mountain is the most significant location in Biamanga National Park, particularly for Aboriginal men. The land ‘Mumbulla’ is named after the respected elder Jack Mumbler, whose ‘tribal’ name was Biamanga.

The Yuin People have inhabited this Country since time began, and Biamanga remains a sacred, ceremonial meeting place for traditional custodians.

Leaseback agreement

Biamanga National Park was handed back to the Yuin People in May 2006. It was then leased to the NSW Government through a joint management agreement under Part 4A of the ‘National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974’.

In partnership with NPWS, the Biamanga Board of Management is responsible for the care and control of the park. The majority of the Board are Aboriginal members and their main priorities are:

• Protecting and managing sacred sites and places for present and future generations.
• Conserving biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem functions, and natural landscapes.
• Sharing Mumbulla Mountain with visitors and the community in a way that deepens understanding and respect of the cultural importance of the lands to Aboriginal people.
• Providing for appropriate research and monitoring.
• Supporting traditional fire and land management practices on Country.
• Delivering sustainable, ongoing and continuous employment for Yuin People.

A plan of management was adopted in 2014 to guide the joint management team on ways to work together. Gulaga National Park, another reserve on the traditional Country of the Yuin People, is also included in the plan.

Program achievements

The joint management arrangement between NPWS and the Biamanga Board of Management has been beneficial for Country and the local community in many ways.

Key achievements:

• Direct employment opportunities for 7 local Yuin staff.
• Training pathways through the Aboriginal Rangers Program, which provides on-the-job training opportunities and a university degree.
• Protecting important koala habitats.
• Establishing Biamanga Cultural Area to educate visitors about the cultural importance of Biamanga.
• Hosting Back to Country events to celebrate Aboriginal culture, connection to Country and the hand back of Gulaga and Biamanga national parks to the traditional custodians.
• Reviewing and updating the Biamanga National Park Lease Agreement.
• Declaring ‘Aboriginal Places’ to preserve and protect Aboriginal culture.
• Undertaking cultural and ecological surveys.  Completing extensive bushfire recovery works between 2019 – 2020 and in 2023.

Learn more about Biamanga National Park.