Appendix 1 - Victorian Environmental Assessment Council

MNAC Report on the ECC Box-Ironbark Forests & Woodlands Investigation Draft Report
3.6 Existing consultation and management
Early in the Box-Ironbark investigation it was judged that separate consultation between…..
Response: This statement is too confusing. The RFAs were not discussed at the meeting as many
Aboriginal people are unaware of the RFAs and find it confusing. The Commonwealth and State
Governments had little or no interaction with traditional owners in the development of the RFAs.
The identification, protection and management of Aboriginal places in Victoria is primarily….
Response: Refer to traditional owners’ views and recommendations on Aboriginal heritage, use and
management in the next part of this report.
The Native Title Act 1993 clearly gives rise to the ability of native title holders…
Response: This is already explained in the native title section. It is less confusing if the facts about
native title are mentioned first and not repeated.
Draft Report Recommendations
R7 - That planning and management relating to traditional interests and uses be based on
recognition of and respect for the traditional relationship of Aboriginal people with the land.
Response: Traditional owners support this recommendation as it acknowledges the relationship of
Aboriginal people with the land (also include waters). It is appreciated that this is noted but it only talks
about recognition and respect and does not mention participation or management. It should not just
mention the traditional but also the contemporary relationship as Aboriginal people still maintain their
strong ties and relationship with land and waters. Also refer to the views and recommendations in the
next part of this report.
R8(a) That there be ongoing consultation between the Victorian Government and Aboriginal
groups and communities in relation to implementation of approved ECC recommendations on
public land use and management, and access for traditional purposes.
Response: Traditional owners support this recommendation but ‘ongoing participation and
management’ should be added to ‘consultation’. Also refer to the views and recommendations in the
next part of this report.
R8(b) That joint management between the Government and Aboriginal groups, for public land
areas containing Aboriginal historic or archaeological places or other Aboriginal places, be
investigated.
Response: Traditional owners support the recommendation for joint management but it should not be
restricted just to Aboriginal historic or archaeological places. Aboriginal people should be part of the
whole land and water management process.
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