The Andrews Labor Government will work with Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners to jointly manage 10 parks and reserves in Gippsland as part of Victoria’s first Joint Management Plan (JMP).

Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio and Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners today launched the JMP, which will deliver opportunities for knowledge sharing, employment and education, and improve park visitor experiences.

The parks and reserves under Aboriginal title and included in the plan are:

• Buchan Caves Reserve
• Corringle Foreshore Reserve, and
• Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park
• Gippsland Lakes Reserve at Raymond Island
• Lake Tyers State Park
• Mitchell River National Park
• New Guinea Cave (within Snowy River National Park).
• Tarra-Bulga National Park
• The Knob Reserve, Stratford
• The Lakes National Park.

The JMP is the result of significant work by the Gunaikurnai people, Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC), Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners Land Management Board (GKTOLMB) and the Labor Government.

A copy of the Joint Management Plan is available at gunaikurnai.com.au

Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“Working alongside the Gunaikurnai people and learning from their cultural knowledge and connection to the land is vital for delivering the best outcomes for these parks and reserves.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins 

“This is a significant event in our cultural history and a first for Victoria that will further self-determination for the Gunaikurnai people.”

Quote attributable to Gunaikurnai Traditional Owner Land Management Board Chair Grattan Mullett

“This JMP allows us to use Gunaikurnai traditional knowledge to set and guide strategic and operational directions for joint managed lands. By working in partnership with the State we will be able to build respectful relationships and enduring partnerships to protect and enhance Gunaikurnai joint managed lands for the benefit of all.”

Quote attributable to Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation Chair Brian Stevens

“Today marks a significant milestone where our joint management partners have worked together to embrace the opportunity to support Gunaikurnai self-determination and further the land management aspirations of the Gunaikurnai people.”