An agreement between the New South Wales government and Indigenous leaders has transferred the management of two national parks to a board that is largely controlled by the Aboriginal owners.
The Gulaga and Biamanga national parks are located on the south coast of the state, and Saturday’s agreement was the result of two years of negotiations between government agencies and the local Aboriginal community.
Minister for the environment, Bob Debus, says that an historic injustice has now been corrected and it is a big step towards reconciliation.
Mr Debus signed the agreement with the Yuin people today.
“It gives Milton Orkopoulos and I the very great pleasure to be able to hand the New South Wales governor's proclamation that gives freehold title for the lands incorporating and Biamanga and Gulaga.” Mr Debus said.