Unconsidered development can impact negatively upon natural areas, sites of significance and indigenous lifestyle. At the same time it can offer opportunities for indigenous economic development and employment. To date indigenous peoples have played a minor role in policy development and industry participation despite the marketing of mainstream tourism often around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural experiences. Mining related activities may be damaging to the environment and lead to unwelcome intrusions into community life. At the same time there is the opportunity to increase independence through income from joint ventures, royalty equivalents or employment.
Indigenous people wish to explore the possibilities with mining interests.
If there is to be any equity in negotiations with powerful mining companies, however, it is imperative that indigenous people have the right to decide if mining activities are to occur on their lands. Uluru and Kakadu National Parks demonstrate the benefits of co-management agreements of National Parks and Heritage areas where indigenous perceptions and management knowledge are incorporated in conservation management. Indigenous peoples should have the right to be involved in the management of national parks and heritage areas where they have an interest. Land grants involving joint management lease-back arrangements should be encouraged only where the terms of such agreements are negotiated freely with indigenous communities and there is no significant loss of indigenous rights. The Commonwealth Government support the participation of indigenous peoples In the full range of environmental decision-making and planning processes at all level of Government.