The Eyre Peninsula Landscape Board is seeking feedback on a plan to provide a way forward for working collaboratively with Aboriginal communities on natural resource management.

Through an Indigenous Participation Plan, the Board has outlined ways to support Aboriginal communities to maintain connection with country while also achieving sustainable outcomes for the Eyre Peninsula region.

The Board’s Aboriginal Engagement Officer Monique Anderson has been reaching out to native title holders and other groups across the Eyre Peninsula to get their feedback on the plan.

“The Board recognises the invaluable wisdom and expertise that Aboriginal people bring to land management and natural resource conservation,” Ms Anderson says.

“With our Indigenous Participation Plan, the Eyre Peninsula Landscape Board wants to ensure a holistic and sustainable approach to managing natural resources for the benefit of all stakeholders involved.

“During the past few months I’ve been talking to groups across Eyre Peninsula to seek feedback on the draft plan.

“Understanding the deep bond between our Aboriginal communities and the land, sea, and water is crucial to preserving the sustainability and well-being of the Eyre Peninsula.

“By actively engaging in partnerships and working hand-in-hand with these communities, we believe we can make a meaningful impact on sustaining our region.

“If you are interested in this plan and haven’t heard from me yet, I encourage you to get in touch to have your say about it.”

As part of the Board’s consultation with the local community, Port Lincoln Aboriginal artist Presten Warren from Painted Studios was engaged to create an artwork that shows the connection Aboriginal people have with the land.

The Board’s Business Support and Planning Manager Susan Stovell says the artwork is now proudly on display in the Port Lincoln office and is a statement piece that embodies our values and aspirations.

“The artwork beautifully captures our five key areas of water management, sustainable agriculture, pest plant and animal management, biodiversity conservation and community,” Ms Stovell says.

“These priorities are the foundation for our work, and with the Indigenous Participation Plan, we are aiming to ensure Aboriginal people have a clear pathway for partnering with us on these issues.”

The draft plan can be read at www.landscape.sa.gov.au/ep/aboriginal-engagement. To comment on the draft plan please contact Monique on email at monique.anderson@sa.gov.au or call her on 0407 484 421. Feedback is sought by Friday, October 4.

Photo: Susan Stovell from the Eyre Peninsula Landscape Board and Port Lincoln artist Presten Warren with the artwork that depicts the connection Aboriginal people have with landscape management.