Early in the negotiations for the Settlement, it became clear that the preservation of Noongar heritage, not linked to planned land-use, was of high importance to the Noongar People.
The Noongar heritage partnership agreements (NHPA) provide a framework for the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage and the six Noongar regional corporations to work in partnership to improve the recording, protection and preservation of Aboriginal sites within the Settlement Area.
The key objectives are:
- improving Aboriginal site preservation and management
- improving data on the Aboriginal Heritage Inquiry System
- improving the exchange of information with regard to Aboriginal sites between the DPLH and Noongar people, as facilitated by the six Noongar regional corporations.
The Noongar regional corporations, via the steering groups for the six NHPAs, will become the key channel for Noongar people to formally raise matters concerning Noongar Aboriginal heritage.
The steering groups will:
- advise DPLH on Aboriginal heritage matters within the six ILUA areas
- create and amend local and regional Heritage Management Plans within the six ILUA areas
- provide recommendations and advice to the DPLH to inform decisions on the application of Sections 16, 18, 19 and 20 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA)
- provide advice and work with the DPLH in the preparation of policies, programs and other heritage management documents for the six ILUA areas
- provide advice and work with the DPLH on the development of Aboriginal heritage training and employment initiatives within the six ILUA areas.
For more information, see the documents below.
