Littleton National Park Co-Management ILUA
Some of you may be aware that our corporation is in the process of negotiating with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) a new Indigenous Land Use Agreement (the ILUA) for Littleton National Park.
What does having an ILUA for Littleton National Park mean?
The ILUA proposed would be a legally binding agreement between QPWS and the Tagalaka People for the cooperative management of the Littleton National Park. This specific ILUA is a ‘Body Corporate’ ILUA which means that the area affected by the ILUA is wholly within the Tagalaka Native Title Determination. This ILUA will not extinguish native title.
ILUAs, like other contracts, can only be made if all the people and organisations involved agree and sign the ILUA. To execute a Body Corporate ILUA, TAC must consult and seek the consent of Tagalaka People before signing the agreement as it is an act that will affect Tagalaka People’s native title rights and interest.
Meeting with QPWS
Tagalaka Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (TAC) were due to meet with QPWS to discuss the ILUA in April 2020 but were not able to proceed with that meeting due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Since that time the North Queensland Land Council (NQLC) has been working on the drafting on the ILUA in preparation for TAC to meet with QPWS with the hope to meet and discuss favourable terms for the Tagalaka People.
Part of the discussions to date have included a:
Park Headquarters Zone – Endorsed Area;
Proposed campground (Wally’s Waterhole);
Proposed Tagalaka exclusive use campground; and
co-operative management of the park.
None of these matters have been settled with QPWS and will require a site visit by TAC representatives and QPWS to Littleton National Park to identify possible areas which then can be defined in the ILUA.
Potential Benefits for Tagalaka People
TAC will negotiate to achieve favourable outcomes for the Tagalaka People so that by entering into the ILUA it will translate into benefits for Tagalaka People.
TAC together with NQLC will enter negotiations on the basis that QPWS understands that:
co-operative management of the park should mean job and business opportunities for Tagalaka People;
it is ensured that Tagalaka Peoples’ cultural heritage will be protected under the ILUA; and
Tagalaka People will be compensated to enter into the ILUA for some works that have occurred in Littleton National Park.
TAC, together with NQLC will need to settle on the drafting of the terms of the ILUA and finalise negotiations with QPWS before we can report back and then be able to call a community meeting to consult and seek the consent of Tagalaka People.
TAC will keep Tagalaka People informed as soon as ILUA negotiation are able to recommence.
Should any of our members have any questions regarding this please do not hesitate to contact us.