Western Bundjalung joint management program

Sunset over the mountains and bush at Granite Lookout, Washpool National Park, jointly managed under the Western Bundjalung Indigenous Land Use Agreement. Credit and © DCCEEW

A view of the valley from Billyrimba Lookout, Boonoo Boonoo National Park which is on the traditional lands of the Western Bundjalung Aboriginal People. Credit: Ann Richards © DCCEEW

A view of the waterfall from Billyrimba Lookout, Boonoo Boonoo National Park. Credit: Ann Richards © DCCEEW

Boonoo Boonoo rockpools with in Boonoo Boonoo National Park greenery in the background. Credit: Leah Pippos © DCCEEW

A large smooth, striped rock at Bald Rock with scenic views of New South Wales and Queensland Credit in the distance. Credit: Joshua J Smith © DCCEEW

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The Western Bundjalung People and National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) jointly manage many parks and reserves in north-east NSW under an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA).

The Western Bundjalung Indigenous Land Use Agreement covers about 576,300ha and 24 national parks, reserves and conservation areas near Grafton, Tenterfield and Casino in north-east NSW. This includes well-known parklands like Boonoo Boonoo National Park, Washpool National Park and Richmond Range National Park.

Under this agreement, Western Bundjalung Aboriginal People and NPWS jointly manage these reserves and work together to protect, preserve and promote Western Bundjalung People’s identity, culture and heritage.

The Western Bundjalung ILUA

In 2020, the Western Bundjalung ILUA was finalised by Ngullingah Jugun (Our Country) Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC, NPWS and other government bodies like Heritage NSW and Forestry Corporation of NSW.

The ILUA enables the Western Bundjalung community to re-establish physical and spiritual connections to their lands. It also allows the community to work towards their goals to:

protect culture and customs
improve community health and wellbeing
progress Western Bundjalung People’s economic development and self-reliance
facilitate Aboriginal employment and business opportunities.

Holistic engagement and management of Country is fundamentally important to Western Bundjalung People. The ILUA recognises the importance of joint management to support goals for their lands, people and culture.

Projects and initiatives

The joint efforts of NPWS and the Western Bundjalung People have led to significant achievements within the ILUA area.

On-Country Meetings

Meetings between Ngullingah Jugun (Our Country) Aboriginal Corporation and NPWS on Country strengthen the joint management partnership. The meetings are to explore sites for cultural campgrounds that meet accessibility, safety and community needs. Future projects will aim to improve access and amenities to these sites to support community activities and reconnection with Country.

Cultural preservation

NPWS worked with Western Bundjalung representatives during the recovery from flooding in northern NSW to protect cultural values. This was done to avoid damaging Aboriginal objects and values while rebuilding roads, trails, bridges and culverts. Their input has been crucial in ensuring respectful and effective reconstruction.

Education

Jubullum Flat Camp Aboriginal Area is a significant site for burials and ancestral return, symbolising Western Bundjalung independence and reconciliation. It’s a cultural teaching space and a place for passing down knowledge. New projects will continue to protect cultural values and build skills like fencing, weed control and bush regeneration into the future.