Supporting our Communities
Economic development
The number of micro-enterprise, private business, Government and community development activities occurring on Aboriginal land is increasing.
Aboriginal land is private property owned under special freehold title. It is inalienable – in other words, it cannot be bought, acquired or forfeited.
For the most part, Aboriginal landowners with inalienable Aboriginal freehold have the exclusive power to control the direction and pace of development on their lands. The public, in the form of Government at various levels, has only limited rights to impose external development or conservation direction or constraints.
Under the Land Rights Act, decisions over the use of Aboriginal land must have the consent of the traditional owners as a group and ratified by the Land Council. Aboriginal land in the Northern Land Council area is held as inalienable Aboriginal freehold – the strongest form of title in Australia.
The nature of Aboriginal inalienable tenure differs from mainstream definition of private land inasmuch as such land cannot be bought or sold. It can however be leased from the Aboriginal Land Trusts (which hold title) to Aboriginal corporations or to non-Aboriginal interests with the informed consent of traditional owners.
The Land Rights Act sets out processes which require the Northern Land Council to ensure that informed consent has been given and that terms and conditions are reasonable.
Powers of Control
For the most part, Aboriginal landowners with inalienable Aboriginal freehold have the exclusive power to control the direction and pace of development on their lands. The public, in the form of Government at various levels, has only limited rights to impose external development or conservation direction or constraints.
Land Council Role
Because of the communal form of land ownership, it is unlikely that a single individual or even a single group has an absolute right to approve a business activity carried out on Aboriginal land, particularly where that activity involves substantial interference and disturbance to 'country'.
Relations within a landowning group and between groups may be diverse and complex, reflecting the richness and complexity of Aboriginal tradition and Aboriginal peoples' relationship with their land. The Land Council's role is to ensure, as far as possible, that Aboriginal culture, traditions and law are respected and followed on Aboriginal land; that the relevant Aboriginal people make informed decisions and that commercial and resource exploitation agreements are fair. The Land Council must be satisfied that the relevant traditional Aboriginal landowners understand the nature and content of any land use agreement which is entered on their behalf and that they agree to it.
The relevant provisions of the Land Rights Act are Part IV in the case of mining and sections 19 and 23 in the case of other business operations.
Role of Councils and Associations
It is important to note that except where leases or licences have been issued to Aboriginal community councils or resource agencies, these incorporated bodies have no legal interest in land, nor control over its development, with that right remaining firmly in the hands of groups of landowners as defined by the application of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act and Aboriginal customary law.
Even a well-established Aboriginal organisation may not have the mandate to make decisions about land without reference to the landowning group. Applications for land use or commercial developments on Aboriginal land should be made through the Land Council, not through a local council, association or resource agency. See Section 19 Land Use Agreements
Land Use Agreements
The process of entering a land use agreement or joint venture for Aboriginal land takes time, it can be expensive and a high level of openness and financial disclosure is required of the proponent.
Businesses need to follow all the relevant procedures to comply with the Land Rights Act, have financial security, security of tenure and a genuine and lasting relationship with the Aboriginal landowners concerned.
Some examples of existing Land Use Agreements include agreements for a diamond mine, pearl farms, crabbing ventures, safari hunting, retail stores, commercial filming and infrastructure development.
Process
A detailed business proposal is required, including a business plan, financial projections, proposals for payments, local employment, joint venture proposals and other benefits to the relevant Aboriginal land owners and environmental impacts.
The Northern Land Council will consider the proposal and may request further information from the proponent, an environmental study and/or expert analysis.
Where preliminary inquiries indicate that traditional Aboriginal owners may be interested in a particular business proposal, the proponent will be invited to contribute to the Land Council's expenses in carrying out consultations with traditional Aboriginal owners. This usually takes the form of reimbursing the costs of bringing the traditional Aboriginal owners and affected communities and groups together for a meeting or meetings, which are preferably held on the land concerned. A contribution to the legal costs of the Land Council/Land Trust is usually sought on a "user pays" basis.
Steps after Consent of Traditional Owners
Land Use Agreements where the term is less than two years may be entered upon the direction of a delegate of the Land Council, that is the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer or the relevant regional Council.
The Land Rights Act requires that longer and larger agreements must be approved by the Full Council of the Northern Land Council, which meets twice a year.
Agreements where the term could exceed 10 years or consideration could be more than $100,000 require the consent of the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Affairs.
Any enquiries or proposals for business development on Aboriginal land should be directed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Land Council.
Work Permits
Work permits issued by the Northern Land Council only authorise the holder to work in a specific area. If you wish to fish and camp at any time during the job, you must also have a recreational permit.
Government contractors: All Government contractors or sub-contractors need to fill out a permit application form, stating what Government department they are doing the contract for, along with a phone number for the department.
Self-employed contractors: Self-employed contractors need to complete an application form for a work permit and also supply a supporting letter from the contractor stating the following:
- your company name
- what your company does
- your name
- what you do
If a particular community has offered you a position, the Northern Land Council requires a letter from that community stating that you have the job and providing the name of the contact person you have dealt with in the community.
Caring for Country
The Caring for Country branch provides essential administrative and operational support to land and sea ranger groups, facilitating the joint management of national parks and Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs).
We currently support 14 Indigenous ranger groups and partner in the management of seven parks and reserves, including the iconic Kakadu National Park.
Through the Caring for Country branch, the Northern Land Council (NLC) empowers Aboriginal custodians to fulfil their cultural responsibilities to land and sea. This branch delivers a range of environmental and land management services that enable Traditional Owners to actively steward more than 210,000 square kilometres of culturally and ecologically significant lands and waters across the Top End.
Our Approach - Working Together
The NLC’s Caring for Country branch is committed to a collaborative approach that integrates Traditional Knowledge with modern scientific practices, underpinning a unique “two-way” management philosophy. This approach is at the core of our new, innovative Cultural and Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework, which serves as a tool for systematically assessing and enhancing our land and sea management initiatives. Guided by the values and aspirations of custodians of Aboriginal law and culture, this framework allows us to evaluate both ecological health and cultural resilience, ensuring our programs meet the long-term needs of Traditional Owners.
Our M&E framework recognizes that environmental success is inseparable from cultural health. By tracking cultural indicators—such as the transmission of Traditional Knowledge, maintenance of sacred sites, and community well-being—alongside ecological measures like biodiversity and habitat integrity, we ensure that our land and sea management efforts align with both environmental and cultural objectives. This framework enhances our capacity to respond to environmental challenges while safeguarding the cultural priorities of the communities we serve.
Who We Are
Since its establishment in 1995, the Caring for Country branch has been at the forefront of Indigenous-led land and sea management, striving to preserve landscapes for future generations. While the branch has grown significantly, expanding its services and workforce, its fundamental purpose remains the same: to support Traditional Owners in preserving cultural heritage and biodiversity through effective, community-driven programs.
Our work encompasses a wide range of activities, from fire management and invasive species control to cultural site protection and knowledge transfer. With a focus on blending Traditional Knowledge with scientific practices, we help Traditional Owners monitor and report on land and sea health, enhancing ecological resilience and cultural integrity.
Our Impact
Caring for Country is pivotal in promoting land and sea health across the Top End, including initiatives such as fire management, weed control, and biodiversity preservation. By securing funding from diverse sources, the branch has expanded its operational scope, positioning itself as one of the NLC's largest and most impactful units. Through partnerships with government and other stakeholders, we are enhancing the reach and effectiveness of our programs.
In response to immediate and evolving environmental challenges, we take proactive measures in areas such as pest and fire management, protection of culturally significant sites, and collaborative research initiatives. These efforts demonstrate a strong commitment to leveraging Traditional Knowledge and scientific methods to address environmental threats and promote sustainable land and sea stewardship.
Our Future Vision
Guided by our Strategic Plan 2024-2029, the Caring for Country branch envisions a future where Traditional Knowledge is continuously transferred to younger generations, ensuring that land, freshwater, and sea Country remains strong, healthy, and protected. As we expand our ranger programs and Indigenous Protected Areas, we are dedicated to supporting Traditional Owner leadership, building local capacity, and fostering sustainable economic opportunities through land and sea management initiatives.
With an emphasis on governance, safety, and operational excellence, the branch prioritizes efficient and transparent processes that empower our teams to achieve meaningful outcomes. Our efforts are geared towards supporting Traditional Owners in preserving their Country, with a commitment to adaptability and resilience in the face of emerging environmental and regulatory changes.
Women and Youth Engagement
Caring for Country is conscious of the need to integrate women into land management activities. Most ranger groups now have active participation from women rangers who include themselves in all aspects of the ranger work from spraying weeds to protecting sacred sites. Women have also been enthusiastic participants in the development of family culture groups for all age groups conducted in the school holidays.
The women and youth engagement coordinator provides support and advocacy for women rangers as well as implementation and support for junior ranger programs, which stem directly from Traditional Owners and current ranger group aspirations.
related stories: caring for country
Ranger Groups
NLC’s Caring for Country rangers operate across almost 200,000 square kilometres of land owned by Aboriginal people in the NLC's area, which includes about 87 per cent of the Northern Territory’s coastline.
Ranger groups provide a formalised structure for the transfer of traditional knowledge from old to young, as well as being a vehicle for land and sea conservation and the training and employment of young Aboriginal people living in remote areas.
To support the ranger groups' activities, the Caring For Country Branch has developed partnerships with a number of external funding agencies including Territory and Federal Government departments, various research bodies and organisations. As more ranger groups join the ranger network, Aboriginal peoples' ability to care for country and manage pests will also increase. This growing capability is already recognised at a national level, with Aboriginal rangers now also playing important roles in border security and quarantine protection.
Ranger Groups Map
- Garngi Land & Sea Management Rangers Minjilang, NT 0822 Australia
- Mardbalk Land & Sea Management Rangers Warruwi NT 0822, Australia
- Kenbi Rangers Cox Peninsula NT 0822, Australia
- Bulgul Land & Sea Management Rangers Rakula NT 0822, Australia
- Numblwar Land & Sea Management Rangers Numbulwar, Numbulwar NT 0822, Australia
- Yugul Mangi Land & Sea Management Rangers Ngukurr, Ngukurr NT 0852, Australia
- Garawa & Waanyi / Garawa Rangers Borroloola NT 0854, Australia
- Timber Creek Rangers Timber Creek NT 0852, Australia
- Wagiman Rangers Pine Creek NT 0847, Australia
- Malak Malak Land & Sea Management Rangers Daly River NT 0822, Australia
- Wudicupildiyerr Rangers Daly River Rd & Port Keats Rd, NT 0822 Australia
Incident Management and Ranger Support Project
NLC's Indigenous Ranger Compliance Support Project
Through support from the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) the NLC’s Caring for Country branch has been provided some funding to help ensure NLC Ranger Groups are appropriately trained, resourced and supported to undertake targeted compliance activities on their traditional land and sea estates.
The project also aims to ensure that traditional owners and rangers lead the management of compliance activities on their country, that the rangers are kept safe and that the external agencies have the evidence they need to effectively deal with people who break the law.
What are the benefits for the NLC and rangers?
- Protection and promotion of Aboriginal rights, interests and culture, and mutual respect between landowners and visitors
- NLC Rangers are better skilled, equipped and supported to conduct compliance activities safely on country
- A clearer way forward for managing compliance risks, while engaging traditional owners and other stakeholders
- Providing opportunities for rangers to develop compliance skills in preparation for future opportunities with partner agencies, including the appointment of legislated powers
What are the benefits for our partner agencies?
- Provides increased capacity and quality with ‘eyes and ears’ surveillance across remote areas
- Provides intelligence, evidence and other information in relation to unlawful activities on Aboriginal lands
- Provides partner agencies a centralised point for liaising with NLC ranger groups in relation to compliance issues, allows for further development of relationships and systems, streamlines referral process and access to ‘filtered’ reports and intelligence.
- Provides further opportunities to work closely with NLC rangers on their country.
What are the benefits for visitors?
Through developed compliance strategies and compliance education programs, signage etc, visitors will:
- Better understand their obligations and responsibilities when accessing Aboriginal land
- Have a better understanding of the role rangers have in caring for country
Contact the IRCS team on compliancesupport@nlc.org.au or 08 8943 9764
Parks Joint Management
The Northern Land Council has statutory responsibilities to protect the interests of traditional owners within its region, in particular the conservation of land and sea.
Many of the Northern Territory’s most popular National Parks are owned by Aboriginal people and leased to either the Commonwealth or Northern Territory Government.
The NLC is focused on assisting traditional owners to:
- Engage more effectively with the Parks and Wildlife Commission NT and Parks Australia by providing third party technical advice and advocacy.
- Make informed decisions relating to natural and cultural resource use and management.
- Assess the social, cultural, environmental and economic implications of legislation and proposals affecting parks and reserves.
- Protect and enhance traditional law and cultural practices.
- Pursue employment and business development opportunities.
- Manage and resolve disputes.
- Carry out statutory requirements of ALRA and Native Title under joint management.
The NLC currently assists Traditional Owners with the joint management of the following national parks:
- Kakadu National Park
- Garig Gunak Barlu (Cobourg) National Park
- Mary River National Park
- Adelaide River Reserves
- Giwining / Flora River Nature Park
- Judbarra/ Gregory National Park
- Tjuwaliyn Hot Springs Park
- Baranyi/ North Island National Park
Joint management presents Aboriginal peoples with a range of opportunities, from potential employment and enterprise development, to increased involvement in natural resource management.
Indigenous Protected Areas
Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs) are voluntarily dedicated by Indigenous groups on Indigenous owned or managed land or sea country.
They are recognised by the Australian Government as an important part of the National Reserve System, protecting the nation’s biodiversity for the benefit of all Australians. The Caring for Country unit currently assists with the management of three IPAs: South East Arnhem Land (SEAL), Wardaman and Ganalanga-Mindibirrina.
South East Arnhem Land IPA
The South East Arnhem Land IPA Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) was declared in December 2016 and covers an area of 18,199 square kilometres. The South East Arnhem Land IPA spans most of south east Arnhem Land along the far western Gulf of Carpentaria from Blue Mud Bay to the mouth of the Roper River – where tidal flats meet vast coastal plains backed by rugged sandstone uplands. The vegetation is predominately open eucalypt woodlands with paperbark and monsoon rainforests along waterways or in moister pockets. In the north, tall eucalypt woodlands occur on the deepest soils, while a mosaic of native grasslands, vine thickets, samphire and mangroves characterise the coastal lowlands.
The South East Arnhem Land IPA consists of the traditional estates of over 20 clans who speak of themselves as Yugul. Yugul Mangi is a term for all our people, coming together and speaking as one. Their Country comprises a patchwork of homelands with twenty established outstations, each belonging to a particular family group, or clan. All homelands are associated with significant cultural sites and all are enormously important, as they reflect the pattern of our traditional land use and ownership. Homelands are places at which ceremonies occur, bush tucker is collected or hunted and where history, stories and traditional ways are passed on to our children.
The South East Arnhem Land IPA is managed by an Advisory Committee of senior elders from the Ngukurr and Numbulwar communities, who oversee the Northern Land Council managed Yugul Mangi and Numbulwar Numburindi Amalahgayag Inyung Indigenous Ranger groups.
South East Arnhem Land Indigenous Protected Area Plan of Management
South East Arnhem Land Visitor Guide (2023)
Ganalanga-Mindibirrina IPA
The Ganalanga-Mindibirrina Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) was declared in late 2015 and encompasses the entirety of the Waanyi-Garawa Aboriginal Land Trust (ALT), a highly remote area of more than 1 million hectares of the Northern Territory’s southern Gulf. The ALT is approximately 180km South-East of Borroloola, Northern Territory and approximately 90km West of Doomadgee, Queensland (unerspend_map). The Ganalanga-Mindibirrina IPA Plan of Management 2015-2020 (PoM), a product of more than 10 years’ worth of planning by Waanyi and Garawa Traditional Owners, is currently being enacted by the Northern Land Council hosted Waanyi-Garawa Rangers and an IPA co-ordinator. The PoM explains how the Traditional Owners wish to govern and manage their lands and provides a vision for the future of their country and culture. Traditional Owners’ feedback on the execution of the plan is incorporated into management activities at biannual IPA committee meetings. The IPA has supported various activities such as fire operations, womens engagement and fire training, the bush heritage culture camp\wildlife surveys.
Ganalanga-Mindibirrina Indigenous Protected Area Plan of Management 2015-2020.
Wardaman IPA
The Wardaman IPA was declared in 2014, rangers undertake land management activities throughout the area as well as working with connecting land trusts and pastoral leases, covering over 200,000 hectares. Rangers have focused on treating extensive infestations of Gamba Grass (Andropogon gayanus), Mission Grass (Cenchrus sp.), Bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia), and Mimosa pigra. Work has been undertaken with collaboration with partners, such as the NT Weeds Branch, Territory NRM and the NLC Wagiman and Timber Creek Rangers.
The rangers have engaged with researchers to identify the near-threatened Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae) populations that may exist throughout Wardaman country and potential habitats for relocation. The surveys and scientific rigour needed to correctly undertake the survey was beneficial for the Wardaman rangers, a key experience that will enable them to continue to undertake scientific surveys in the future.
Wardaman Indigenous Protected Area Management Plan
Learning on Country
The Learning on Country (LoC) Program is a joint initiative between Aboriginal ranger groups and local schools across 15 Top End remote communities, with a focus on integrating ‘both ways’ learning into school curriculums. It’s this combination of curriculum and culture that will support remote Aboriginal students to walk strong in two worlds.
The LoC Program enjoys strong community and institutional support because it brings together two knowledge systems that link culture and curriculum. The ‘two toolbox approach’, which incorporates both Western and Indigenous knowledge systems to deliver culturally appropriate education and training, supports remote students’ training and employment pathways.
The LoC Program is delivered to secondary students with a key focus on the senior secondary student cohort. The teaching and learning programs are developed collaboratively between school and ranger staff, with a focus on field-based activity and experiential learning. Activities include a wide range of ranger groups' projects and responsibilities around land and sea management and modelled by cultural knowledge-based activities as directed by Traditional Owners.
Objectives of the program are to increase school retention to Year 12 or equivalent, increase transition rates to further education, training and employment, and to increase inter-generational transmission of Indigenous knowledge and practices.
School and ranger staff draw on Traditional and Western knowledge systems to develop integrated field and classroom-based activities. In this way, LoC students have a culturally appropriate education and a clear pathway to employment. Field workshops and school-based learning activities are linked directly to NTCET, Australian Curriculum and VET Certificate outcomes.
The LoC Program is both an incubator and succession planning solution for various industry sectors involved in the sustainable use of land, sea and conservation management and in many ways the LoC Program has come to be regarded as developing the next generation of rangers and traditional custodians.
Land and sea management groups have indicated significant growth over the decade, creating business opportunities in cultural and natural resource management particularly for Indigenous populations.
The 15 participating schools across the Top End are:
- Galiwin’ku
- Yirrkala
- Yirrkala Laynhapuy
- Maningrida
- Angurugu
- Milingimbi
- Ramingining
- Gapuwiyak
- Borroloola
- Beswick
- Barunga
- Ngukurr
- Numbulwar
- Umbakumba
- Gunbalanya
The Learning on Country Program is funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency and administered by the Northern Land Council.
Visit the Learning on Country website by clicking the button below.
related stories: learning on country
Community Projects
WHAT WE DO
The NLC has a free service for Aboriginal groups who want to work together to do good things for their communities. The NLC’s Community Projects team helps groups to plan, manage and monitor community projects. It can also help groups access grants and partnership opportunities.
The Northern Land Council wants to support your community projects!
- Are you part of a Traditional Owner group in the Top End?
- Do you have time and energy to plan projects?
- Do you and your group want to make changes for your community's future?
- Can you get other members of your group to help?
To find out more about how NLC Community Projects can help, phone or email the Community Projects team:
Phone:
0407 493 834
Email: cpd@nlc.org.au
Have us support your project
From 2022 to 2025, the NLC will administer a Matched Fund Program to provide a financial contribution towards projects developed by Traditional Owners working with the NLC’s Community Projects team.
Past & Current Projects
CP projects are being delivered in 18 locations across the NLC regions. Projects have a strong focus on maintaining culture and language, supporting youth and constructing community infrastructure.
Groups working with community projects
Darwin/Daly Region
Malak Malak
The Malak Malak people are Traditional Owners of the Malak Malak Aboriginal Land Trust in the Daly River region. In 2017 they allocated income from their land use agreements to work on community projects and assist young people to spend time on country, grow cultural knowledge, and carry on their traditions. Malak Malak have completed projects including culture camps, developing a language app and designing and installing interpretive signs in the Daly River Region. Malak Malak Traditional Owners are now planning the development of a culture centre ‘keeping place’, to house their historical and cultural items.
Diminin
Diminin are the Traditional Owners of Wadeye township area. Since expressing interest in community projects in 2017, they have carried out a cultural site visit project and cemetery upgrades. Diminin recently approved further upgrade works at two Wadeye cemeteries, and successfully applied for a matched funding contribution. The project aims to create employment, better support ceremonies and create a prouder community.
Diminin Traditional Owners are also planning bush camps to increase access to country and investigating ways to support Kardu Diminin Corporation through grant agreements.
Rak Papangala
Rak Papangala Traditional Owners in the Palumpa area had a long-term vision of living back on their traditional land. They committed income from their gravel lease agreement towards this vision and carefully planned an outstation project – including a bush track, installation of a bore and tank, and a house. The group have also funded repair and general maintenance projects to support the outstation.
South-East Arnhem Land
Milwarapara
The Budal Yutpundji - Milwarapara people are Traditional Owners of Ngukurr and Urapunga. They are very town proud and have focussed community development work on improving infrastructure and facilities in Ngukurr for all to benefit. They have funded a church toilet, a welcome sign at a local outstation, and fencing and seating at the Ngukurr oval.
Development of the Ngukurr airstrip waiting facility is currently under way to provide a warm welcome for people arriving in Ngukurr by air.
SEAL
The SEAL IPA Advisory Committee have focused their community development work on cultural awareness issues, and training opportunities for locals. The committee has most recently completed a project which delivers cultural awareness booklets and signage in Ngukurr and Numbulwar communities. In 2023 the SEAL IPA Advisory Committee are undertaking dedicated planning to focus on their future vision and projects.
Mambali Walangara
In April 2021 Mambali Walangara native title holders allocated a portion of their land use agreement income towards community projects. In 2022 the group identified key focus areas for their future and project work – knowledge, ceremony, visiting country, respect, strong culture, songlines and language. The group will next workshop some project ideas to realise these aspirations.
Guyul Muynmin
Guyal Muynmin decided to work with the Community Projects team in 2021 and have workshopped a strong vision for the future to guide their community projects. In 2022 the group progressed feasibility and project planning for culture camps to support young people to get back on country and preserve their language.
Guyul Ambulya & Mambali Ngubayin (Watsons)
Guyal Ambulya and Mamabali Ngubayin (Watsons) native title holders decided in 2021 to work together with the Community Projects team to achieve their similar long-term aspirations. They have ambitions to live and work on country and have prioritised planning for culture camps and development of an outstation to support this goal.
Mambali Ngubayin (Johns)
Mambali Ngubayin (Johns) have allocated some of their income from an exploration agreement to community projects and have a clear focus on strong culture and employment. The group has supported the purchase and storage of music equipment for the local Urapunga church and are now investigating the feasibility of a mechanics training project and culture camps on their country.
Victoria River District
Djarrany-Djarrany
The Gajerrong – Djarrany-Djarrany group are native title holders of Legune Station, located in the north-western tip of the Northern Territory. Djarrany-Djarrany native title holders have engaged with the NLC’s Community Projects team since 2017, when they signed an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) for Project Sea Dragon. To support young people spending time on Country they have undertaken bush camps and upgraded their outstation. They have also created an education fund to increase school attendance. The group is currently planning a cultural tourism and arts business, as well as developing their corporation.
Wadanybang
Wadanybang native title holders receive benefits from the Indigenous land use agreement (ILUA) with Seafarms for Project Sea Dragon, located in the north-western tip of the Northern Territory. The group in 2022 started to connect with the Community Projects team to map out their aspirations and identify how NLC can support them.
Gubirrjim
Gurrbijim native title holders receive benefits from the Indigenous land use agreement (ILUA) with Seafarms for Project Sea Dragon, located in the north-western tip of the Northern Territory. Community Projects team is supporting the group to plan an advocacy project and seek funding for outstation upgrades to improve the liveability of their outstation, so they can meet their aspirations to live out on country more permanently.
Borroloola/Barkly
Budal Riley
The Budal Riley Native Title Holders reside in Borroloola, Numbulwar, Minyerri and Ngukurr. They began working with the NLC’s CP&D Program in November 2021. The group have a united vision to be on country - living, learning, sharing, working, together, caring for country. They have elected a representative working group and started doing some early planning for projects such as outstation upgrades to achieve their vision.
West Arnhem Land
Dhukurrdji
Dhukurrdji Traditional Owners are the custodians of Maningrida and surrounds. Since starting work with Community Projects team in October 2020, the group have defined a strong vision for the future – achieving ‘balance’ and ‘on-country’ – and have created an image to illustrate this and guide their project planning.
The group has approved their first project to support their goal - interpretive signage in Maningrida township. And they are investigating a cultural awareness project to continue their work in this area.
East Arnhem Land
Galiwin’ku
A representative working group of Galiwin’ku Traditional Owners have been allocating funds for community projects since 2017. The group have focused on projects to support young people, and law and justice programs. Projects have included funding a team of community legal education workers to support Yolngu in Galiwin’ku the week before each court session, funding additional positions in the youth sport and rec programs, and co-funding a school playground.
The group have recently funded logistics support and Traditional owner-led raypirri camps on country. In their words, Traditional Owners are determined to run the camps with the right people (elders and youth) on the right country, and see this type of project as a stepping stone towards ‘independence’ and ‘self-determination’ for Yolngu in the region.
Gapuwiyak
Marrkula members are the Traditional Owners of Gapuwiyak, and have set aside funds from township leases for community projects since 2017. The group has focused their project work on establishing and developing their local corporation. Their goal is to lay a strong governance foundation and develop a clear strategic plan to then undertake business and provide jobs and training for their young people and community. The group has also funded a ‘Painting Crew’ project which successfully employed 8 people and painted 35 houses, and they have started to explore the viability of a mechanics business. They are now also focusing on the feasibility of a cultural tourism venture in Gapuwiyak.
Katherine
Mangarrayi
The Mangarrayi people are the traditional custodians of lands and waters in the Roper River area. In early 2022, Mangarrayi Traditional Owners formed a representative advisory group to guide and plan their community projects. They are currently putting their attention towards the development of the local Mangarrayi Rangers and investigating infrastructure to support the ranger group. Mangarrayi traditional owners are also soon to undertake a Healthy Country Plan which will further assist them to identify priorities for their country, community and culture, and provide guidance for further community projects.
related stories: community projects
Monitoring and Evaluating
Monitoring is like doing a check-up of your car – you need to make sure the tyres and engine are good so you can keep driving. Monitoring helps the NLC keep on track and heading towards goals set by Traditional Owners.
NLC is using a monitoring system to track progress of its Community Planning and Development Program. In early 2022 NLC will use a new monitoring and evaluation framework.
Over three years (2019 - 2022) NLC project partners worked together to create the new framework. The new framework ensures greater accountability and imbeds participatory monitoring. Monitoring provides feedback to Aboriginal groups so they can make stronger decisions.
Further information is available in our monitoring publications:
For enquiries email cpd@nlc.org.au
Pastoral
The pastoral industry is iconic in the Northern Territory. Up until the early 1970s, the Northern Territory cattle industry depended on cheap Aboriginal labour for its success.
It was Aboriginal people who built the fences, dug the bores and tended, mustered and drove the cattle. It was common to find them 'paid' with meager rations of flour, tea, sugar and tobacco. Aboriginal people also had extensive knowledge of the land which was vital to the operation of grazing enterprises.
In 1968 Aboriginal stock workers won the right to award wages and conditions equal to white workers. It was a hollow victory. With the mechanisation of the industry, including sub-divisional fencing, modern trapping yards, road transport replacing droving and the advent of helicopter mustering, pastoralists had already begun to do away with Aboriginal labour. The Aboriginal camps which had been pools of cheap labour were no longer needed and many people were forced off the stations.
Under the Land Rights Act, Aboriginal people cannot claim pastoral land that is leased to someone else. However, they can claim the land if they themselves own the lease. A number of Aboriginal organisations run pastoral leases in the Northern Territory and have claimed ownership of the land under the Land Rights Act.
Indigenous Pastoral Program
The Indigenous Pastoral Program was developed by the Northern and Central Land Councils in 2003 to increase Aboriginal-managed pastoral production and improve rangelands management on Aboriginal land. The strategy involves joint action by partner agencies including the Indigenous Land Corporation, the NT Government, the NT Cattleman’s Association and the NT Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).
Since its inception programme staff, within the NLC region, have successfully negotiated 13 Pastoral Land Use Agreements worth over $10 million to traditional owners in infrastructure development and lease payments. This investment has created over 40 jobs and put up to 40,000 head of cattle back on Aboriginal pastoral land.
The wider result of this is greater access and engagement by traditional owners with their land.
Mining Exploration and production
More than 80 percent of the value of minerals extracted in the Northern Territory comes from mining on Aboriginal-owned land, amounting to more than $1 billion a year. Approximately 30 percent of Aboriginal land is under exploration or currently under negotiation for exploration.
Different processes apply for those wishing to mine and explore on land covered by the Land Rights Act (Aboriginal-owned land) and on land covered by the Native Title Act (land where Aboriginal people have native title interests). In all instances, where enterprises have entered into good faith negotiations and respected Aboriginal rights, agreements are being reached with benefit to all parties.
Facilitating exploration
While the Land Rights Act is primarily social justice legislation for the granting of traditional Aboriginal land in the Northern Territory for the benefit of Aboriginal people, it is clear that the Land Rights Act facilitates exploration and mining.
Established process
The Land Rights Act provides an established process which offers certainty for developers and landowners. The Land Council can ensure that the rightful owners are party to the consultations and negotiations; that any agreement is based on presentation of all relevant information in an objective manner; and that any agreement made will be honoured.
Under the Land Rights Act, Aboriginal landowners have the right to say 'yes' or 'no' to mining and minerals exploration on their land. Justice Woodward said in the findings of his Royal Commission into Aboriginal Land Rights: “I believe that to deny Aborigines the right to prevent mining on their land is to deny the reality of their land rights.”
Relevant legislation
The laws governing the granting of exploration licences and petroleum permits on Aboriginal land in the NT are the Northern Territory Mining Act 1980 and the Land Rights Act. An exploration licence or permit which allows the holder to explore for minerals or hydrocarbons cannot be issued by the NT Minister for Mines and Energy unless the applicant and the Land Council have entered into an agreement. Part IV of the Land Rights Act gives a clear procedure for a prospective company to obtain exploration and mining rights on Aboriginal land.
Royalties
An equivalent amount of royalties paid to the Northern Territory and Federal Governments for mining on Aboriginal land is paid to the Aboriginals Benefits Account. The ABA then distributes 30 percent of the royalties to Aboriginal people affected by the mining on their land, 40 percent of the royalties to Northern Territory Land Councils to administer their statutory responsibilities and a further 30 percent for the administration of the ABA and for distribution to Aboriginal people throughout the Northern Territory.
Exploration Licence Agreement - Process Summary
- Exploration Licence Application The mining company applies to the Northern Territory Department of Mines and Energy (DME) for a licence or permit.
- Consent to Negotiate The Minister for Mines and Energy grants the mining company 'consent to negotiate' with the NLC.
- Application for Consent The mining company must submit its application including exploration proposal and mining details to the NLC within three months, otherwise the application is deemed to have been withdrawn. The exploration proposal must describe all aspects of the exploration activity including possible impact on the environment and the social impacts.
- Acceptance or refusal Having ensured that the proposal provides adequate information for traditional landowners to make a decision, the NLC informs traditional owners and affected groups and communities within 30 days, and organises a meeting at which the applicant presents its proposal. A representative of the Federal Minister for Aboriginal Affairs may also attend the meeting. The traditional landowners have the right to instruct the NLC to refuse consent to an exploration proposal that affects their land. Refusal freezes the application for five years after which the same company may re-apply. Alternatively, traditional landowners may instruct the NLC to negotiate an agreement with the company.
- Negotiations Negotiations must be concluded within 12 months. The NLC provides the company with a draft exploration agreement containing fundamental clauses, and the company is invited to use this document as a basis for negotiations. A liaison committee of traditional landowners can be involved in negotiations. The negotiated agreement is then presented at a meeting of traditional landowners for their consideration.
- NLC Full Council Once the traditional landowners have instructed the Northern NLC to enter into the Agreement, their decision must be considered by the NLC Full Council to ensure that due process has been adhered to. The NLC must then seek the approval of the Federal Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs to enter into the Agreement.
Once the Agreement has been executed by all parties, the NLC then notifies the Northern Territory Minister for Mines and Energy who subsequently issues the exploration licence for a period of six years, with an ability to extend for a further four years.
Mining and exploration under the Native Title Act
The Native Title Act is relevant for mining on Crown land and pastoral leases. Under the amended 1993 Native Title Act, provisions have been put in place which give registered applicants for determination of native title the "right to be consulted" over some types of mining and mineral exploration. The right to be consulted includes the right:
- to be notified;
- to lodge an objection;
- for objectors to be consulted;
- to be heard by an independent person; and
- to seek compensation for loss or impairment of native title rights and interests.
Those applicants intending to make an objection to an application for a mining or exploration lease have three months in which to formally lodge their objection with the Native Title Tribunal.
Financial assistance for funerals & ceremony
NLC’s Financial Assistance for Funerals and Ceremony is made possible through approved funds from the Aboriginals Benefit Account (ABA). This funding is provided to the NLC under section 64 of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (Northern Territory) 1976 (ALRA) through the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA). The continuation of this policy is subject to ongoing funeral and ceremony funding being made available to the NLC from the ABA.
Funerals
The financial assistance for funerals is to assist Aboriginal families in the NLC Region that have recently lost a family member by providing a contribution towards the overall costs of holding a funeral. The assistance is to alleviate some of the financial hardship experienced in burying a loved one. The overall funding is a limited amount and helps about 200 Aboriginal families per year.
Eligibility criteria
- The deceased person is an Aboriginal person who is known, recognised and affiliated within the NLC region.
- That the applicant is the appropriate person to apply for funeral assistance; they should be the next of kin or an immediate family member who has the legal responsibility of the body.
- The burial must take place within NLC region.
- Only one funeral application for a deceased person will be considered.
- Funding is spent strictly in accordance with the NLC Funeral Assistance Policy.
Funding assistance and eligible items
This funding assistance is limited to $5,000 (GST inclusive) per deceased person and can only be used to contribute to the cost of a coffin, funeral parlour professional fees or transporting the body of the deceased.
Application process
Applications are to be completed by the next of kin or family representative and submitted to the NLC prior to the funeral taking place. It is the applicant’s responsibility to complete the application form, provide proof of death and relevant itemised quotations for a coffin, funeral parlour professional fees or transporting the body.
Approved applications
NLC will not commit any financial expenditure until the application and approval process is complete. If the Funeral application is approved;
- No cash will be provided to the applicant.
- All financial transactions will occur directly with the supplier.
Ceremony
NLC acknowledges that Traditional Aboriginal Owners are culturally diverse and have different cultural responsibilities, obligations and traditional ceremony practices. The NLC continues to promote kinship relationships, responsibilities and cultural integrity of traditional practices and encourages the maintenance, practice and revitalisation of ceremonies for youth, men’s and women’s business.
Ceremony assistance helps Aboriginal ceremony leaders or a group representative by providing a contribution towards the overall cost of holding a ceremony. The grant funding is a limited amount and helps support ceremonial activity in the NLC region.
Eligibility criteria
- The ceremony activity is known, recognised and affiliated with the NLC region.
- That the applicant is the appropriate person to apply; that they are an Aboriginal ceremony leader or group representative.
- The ceremony must take place within NLC’s jurisdiction.
- Funds directly benefit those participating in the actual ceremony.
- Only one ceremony application will be considered per ceremony event.
- Funding is spent strictly in accordance with NLC Ceremonial Grant Policy.
Funding assistance and eligible items
This funding assistance is limited to a total of $1,000 (GST inclusive) per ceremony and can only be used to contribute to the following:
- Fuel, travel, material for dancers; and
- Food purchases only (i.e. vegetables, meat, bread, tea, flour, rice, Weetbix etc.).
Items NOT eligible include:
- Personal items, flowers, newspaper advertisements, cigarettes, soft drinks, lollies, tobacco, alcohol, clothing, sheets, blankets, towels, phone credit, gift cards, etc.
Application process
Applications are to be completed by the Aboriginal ceremony leader or a group representative and submitted to the NLC prior to the ceremony taking place. It is the applicant’s responsibility to complete the application form and provide relevant quotes / or nominate the preferred supplier of goods in the community for the requested eligible items.
NLC will do the following
- Ensure the application is complete and relevant supporting information is provided.
- Assess the application against the eligibility criteria, check funding availability and pass to the appropriate NLC delegates for approval.
- Advise the applicant if the funeral or ceremony assistance is approved or not approved within 5 working days. This advice will include the level of assistance to be provided.
- NLC staff will deal with the aggrieved families, ceremonial leader or group representative in a respectful manner and provide accurate policy information and support the timely processing of applications.
How to apply
- Application forms for Financial Assistance for Funerals and Ceremony are below.
- Applications can be lodged in person at an NLC Office or sent to the following email address: funeral@nlc.org.au