A landmark agreement has been signed by the McGowan Government, Karajarri Traditional Lands Association (KTLA) and Bidyadanga Aboriginal Community La Grange Incorporated (BACLGI) which will remove land tenure barriers in the Bidyadanga remote Aboriginal community.
The agreement will boost the economy of WA's largest remote Aboriginal community and marks the next step in the WA Government's $7.3 million commitment to the Bidyadanga Land Activation Project - a place-based pilot incorporating land tenure reform, which will enable future economic activation, business development and the regularisation of services.
The McGowan Government's commitment to the Bidyadanga Land Activation Project is in addition to the more than $17 million dedicated to seal internal community roads and upgrade essential infrastructure, directly improving environmental health standards for Bidyadanga residents.
This agreement signing allows for on-country negotiations between the WA Government, KTLA, BACLGI and community members to commence.
The Bidyadanga Land Activation Project's progress highlights the State's commitment to supporting remote Aboriginal communities. It also advances the WA Government's commitment to divest the Aboriginal Lands Trust Estate.
Land tenure change is the first step in achieving full economic transformation for remote Aboriginal communities, allowing for additional housing, improved economic development outcomes, community governance, and upgrades of essential services.
Comments attributed to Aboriginal Affairs Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The WA Government welcomes the signing of this ground-breaking agreement to deliver land tenure reform in Bidyadanga.
"This agreement seeks to address the aspirations of community residents and the native title holders, and deliver a sustainable future for Bidyadanga.
"Economic transformation must be built around the Bidyadanga community's own vision for the future and cannot be realised without local leadership and the active participation of native title holders and community members.
"This exciting activation project for Bidyadanga aligns with the State Government's commitments on Closing the Gap, including our targets around strong economic participation and development of people and their communities.
"I'd like to thank the Karajarri Traditional Lands Association and the Bidyadanga Aboriginal Community La Grange Incorporated for their partnership in this important project.
"We look forward to continuing to work with them to ensure better health, social and economic outcomes for the Bidyadanga community."
Comments attributed to Lands Minister Tony Buti:
"Land tenure change is considered the first step in full economic transformation for remote Aboriginal communities.
"Addressing land tenure matters will enable the Bidyadanga community to be investment-ready and provide future home ownership and business development opportunities.
"The Bidyadanga Land Activation Project is an example of the WA Government's commitment to invest more in remote communities and our dedication to the fundamental transformation required to ensure better health, social and economic outcomes for Aboriginal people.
"The success of this project will be a result of all levels of government partnering with the community to achieve a mutual goal."
Aboriginal Affairs Minister's office - 6552 5800
Lands Minister's office - 6552 6400
