Principles of Co-operation

Leichhardt Council recognises the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (Metro) as the custodians of Aboriginal land, cultural sites and landscapes.

Metro has spiritual and cultural ties to the land of the Leichhardt area.

The Leichhardt Council is the elected representative body for Leichhardt residents and the consent authority for development and building within the area.

Given the major stakeholder status of the parties, good communication, consultation and an agreed framework for negotiating development is essential and both have entered into the Principals of Co-operation.

Principles of Co-operation

Between

Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (Metro)

And

Leichhardt Council

A PRINCIPLES

The parties to this agreement recognise that the MLALC is a significant landholder within the

local government boundaries of the thirty-two (32) local government authorities specified

within this document.

Within the Leichhardt region, Metro is recognised as the custodians of Aboriginal land,

cultural sites and landscapes.

Metro has spiritual and cultural ties to the land of the Leichhardt area.

The Leichhardt Council is the elected representative body for Leichhardt residents and the

consent authority for development and building within the area.

Given the major stakeholder status of the parties, good communication, consultation and an

agreed framework for negotiating development is essential.

Metro’s land is of great significance. Archaeological sites and cultural landscapes, and

spiritual and heritage protection are paramount in Metro’s priorities.

Local Government authorities have social and community, as well as development and

planning codes. Local Environment Plans, as well as the commencement of Regional Plans.

This agreement recognises that both parties can achieve mutual aims in respect of

developing Aboriginal land including joint ventures between the parties.

Metro will encourage other Local Government authorities to establish these cooperative

arrangements within Metro’s boundaries.

The parties to this agreement seek to work proactively and collaboratively to identify relevant

projects.

Further, the parties agree to inform and involve each other relation to development

proposals on or affecting Aboriginal interests.

Metro aims to work with the Leichhardt Council to achieve development consistent with the

social and community objectives set down by the local government authority.

The parties agree that there is immense pressure for development in the current climate.

Planning approval processes are time consuming and are required and demanded at a rapid

rate.

Therefore the parties will establish a framework for the discussion and implementation,

where relevant, of development proposals affecting Aboriginal interests.

This will ensure that Aboriginal interests and community objectives can be aligned.

The parties, through the operation of this agreement, will foster reconciliation between

Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

The parties will use best endeavours to recognise and promote understanding of the

custodial obligations, spiritual and cultural ties of Metro, not withstanding the local

government authority’s statutory rights and responsibilities in relation to Metro’s land and

waters.

B THE PARTIES AGREE TO:

Recognise Metro as the peak council representing Aboriginal interests within its boundaries

and the Leichhardt Council as the elected body representing local residents and the consent

authority for building and development within their Local Government Area.

Respect for Metro’s rights, obligations and aspirations and the local government authority’s

rights and responsibilities for the local community.

Respect and understanding of each party’s decision making processes.

Encourage the establishment of appropriate protocols and governance for the consideration

of development proposals affecting Aboriginal interests.

Identify proposals mutually consistent with metro’s interests and the Leichhardt Council’s

objectives.

Conduct negotiations in confidence and where agreed by the parties, disclose information

mutually agreed.

Improve the communications with any identified stakeholders, including the NSW

Government departments and authorities relevant to the facilitation of projects consistent

with Aboriginal aspirations and interests.

Identify potential joint projects that can improve the employment and training opportunities

for Aboriginal people. These may include development opportunities, tourism management

and community development as well as any other agreed initiatives.

Recognise that the current development climate places Aboriginal land and local

government planning authorities under intense pressure. The parties will seek to encourage

the provision of a transparent framework to discuss and negotiate development opportunities

and proposals.

Work towards establishing any specific agreements that facilitate the maximum cooperation

between the parties.

In order to assist Leichhardt Council and Metro to work through any major issues arising, it is

agreed that a mechanism should be established, namely the Coordination Committee.

C COORDINATION COMMITTEE

In order to achieve the above, the parties will establish a coordination committee which will

comprise Metro’s Chair and Chief Executive Officer and Leichhardt Council’s Mayor and

General Manager to coordinate issues associated with this agreement. Other nominees can

attend as agreed.

Coordination shall include the sharing of information necessary to implement the principles

inherent in this agreement.

The Coordination Committee will meet as required to resolve any disputes, grievances and

issues associated with the implementation of the principles of this agreement.

Cross cultural training and joint community development initiatives could be considered.

D SIGNATORIES

CHAIR, METROPOLITAN LOCAL ABORIGINAL LAND COUNCIL

CEO METROPOLITAN LOCAL ABORIGINAL LAND COUNCIL

MAYOR, LEICHHARDT COUNCIL

GENERAL MANAGER, LEICHHARDT COUNCIL

Principles of Co-operation

Rate this page