Title

Investigate and implement models and mechanisms for cooperative planning of resource management between state agencies and Traditional Owners

Objectives

1. To negotiate a regional management agreement between Traditional Owners and key management agencies.
2. To implement cooperative planning.

Relevance

Cooperative management was agreed by the Ministerial Council as one of a number of key dugong strategies. A regional agreement sets the basis for individual estate cooperative management agreements.

Feasibility

This project is underway via the Sea Forum which includes representation of all Traditional Owner groups with marine estates between Cooktown and Fraser Island.

Methodology

A discussion paper which identifies Traditional Owner aspirations in issues of marine resource management, potential benefits of a cooperative management regime and a process for achieving a Regional Agreement will be developed.

Negotiations for a Framework Agreement between state agencies and Traditional Owners which sets out what negotiations will deal with, the processes and protocols to be used, resourcing requirements and key issues requiring resolution will be undertaken.

Regional agreement between Traditional Owners with marine estates in the SGBR and state agencies will be sought.

Cost

Approximate costs to date have included

Time

Three years