Progress Report 2007-2008 - Department of Environment and ...

Ongoing
2005
Due date Region FA section Milestone Progress
31
December
UNE,
LNE,
Eden
5.1.2
Sthn 5.1.4.2
NPWS to offer permanent employment opportunities
for Aboriginal people in operational management as
part of the funding package for the management of
additions to the reserve system.
Enterprise development with SFNSW has been
identified as a major interest for Aboriginal
communities. Some examples are provided in the
forest agreement.
An Aboriginal trainee clerical officer was employed in January 2009. An Aboriginal Discovery Ranger position in South West Slopes
that was created and filled in 2006–2007 continues. An Aboriginal liaison officer (admin grade) was that was created and filled in
2006–2007 to facilitate Aboriginal working group meetings and community involvement continued in 2007–2008. A female Aboriginal
interpretive trainee position was recruited in 2007–2008 and continued in 2008–2009.
Eden
Five Aboriginal staff have been appointed by DECC as a result of funding provided for management of additions to the reserve system.
These were: a trainee field officer, two Aboriginal sites officers (one male and one female), one project officer to manage the return of
Biamanga and Gulaga National Parks to Aboriginal ownership and a cadet trainee field officer (since appointed as a ranger).
Forests NSW contributed towards the development of a NSW DPI Aboriginal Employment Strategy, which was finalised in March 2007.
This strategy seeks to increase the employment of Aboriginal people within NSW DPI, and provide training and support for Aboriginal
employees to enhance their capacity to contribute effectively to departmental programs and outcomes. The strategy seeks to:
• increase the representation of Aboriginal people to 2% or more of the NSW DPI workforce by 31 December 2008
• increase career opportunities for Aboriginal people in NSW DPI
• increase Aboriginal representation in departmental decision-making processes
• implement a support network for NSW DPI Aboriginal employees
• ensure there is strong commitment throughout NSW DPI to implement the strategy.
Forests NSW’ commitment to Aboriginal employment opportunities is also demonstrated in the ESFM plans.
Forests NSW currently have two Aboriginal staff who are employed in the Southern region. One staff member is employed in the
Cultural Heritage Coordinator role and the other is employed as a field worker in an operations field crew.
Implemented
UNE/LNE
Employment as part of the original funding package has been implemented. Additionally, during 2007–2008 following the finalisation of
agreements with the Githabul and Worimi peoples, a further 13 full-time permanent Aboriginal identified positions have been created
and funded (4 for Githabul and 9 for Woromi), with a number of revenue-based temporary and casual Aboriginal identified positions.
Eden
Five Aboriginal staff have been appointed by DECC as a result of funding provided for management of additions to the reserve system.
These were: a trainee field officer, two Aboriginal sites officers (one male and one female), one project officer to manage the return of
Biamanga and Gulaga National Parks to Aboriginal ownership and a cadet trainee field officer (since appointed as a ranger).
In progress
The business plan for the Aboriginal Cultural Centre was completed and agreement was reached with Tumut Shire Council on a
suitable site for the development.
The project has not progressed in the past year due in part to a secondment of the Forests NSW Aboriginal Coordinator based in
Tumut and a loss of momentum for the project within the Aboriginal community. In addition four business partnerships were entered
into with Aboriginal groups in Southern region. These aim to provide economic benefit to the participants.
NSW FOREST AGREEMENTS AND INTEGRATED FORESTRY OPERATIONS APPROVALS 123