Our Policies
NSWNTS is committed to increasing the capabilities and capacities of traditional owners in our reporting region by the development of current and future policy matters. The following matters highlight some of the activities occurring during the current and previous reporting period.
NTS069 – Fishing Rights and Interests
Through representation on the NSW Natural Resource Advisory Council and other bodies, NTSCORP has maintained a leading role in the advocacy of issues relating to Traditional Owners in NSW. This includes the facilitation of whole of country agreements, negotiation of fishing licence rights, access to waters and the development of negotiation protocols to assist all parties in agreement processes. The NSW Government is currently finalising the introduction of amendments to the Fisheries Management Act (s1994) that will enshrine Aboriginal fishing for cultural, personal, ceremonial, educational or communal needs. The amendments will also formally endorse the National Indigenous Fishing Principles.
NTS070 – Natural Resources
NTSCORP have continued to negotiate on behalf of Traditional Owners for the extension and continuation of their rights and interests in NSW. NTSCORP are currently finalising negotiations with the NSW Department of Primary Industries on changes to the Fisheries Management Act. Representations on numerous matters pertaining to Indigenous interests; including the gazetting of Marine Parks, Commercial and Recreational Fishing and access to lands has taken place throughout the reporting period through the Department of Primary Industries Aboriginal Reference Group and the Natural Resource Advisory Council.
NTS 071 – Water Rights
The Company continues to take a lead role in negotiations with the State Government during the implementation of the Aboriginal Water Trust and is represented on the trust by our Chair, Mr Michael Bell. Through representation and advocacy, the company has been able to assist in the successful negotiation that includes exclusive access to certain marine park areas, assisting in the development of marine park MOU’s and other related matters.
NTS072 – Water Trust
The development of water rights remains a matter of priority for NTSCORP. The company believes that activity in this matter will increase and has maintained a positive approach to the development of water rights through continuing representations on a local and state government level and the Murray Darling Basin Commission.