First Nations agreements and protocols

DEW's partnerships with First Nations adhere to the terms outlined in agreements and protocols between Nations and the South Australian or Australian Governments. These include Co-management Agreements and the Narungga Buthera and Kungun Ngarrindjeri Yunnan agreements.

A range of protocols are also in place to guide our work with First Nations. The protocols do not override or alter the tenure of the lands and waters, but support First Nations values and participation being recognised, acknowledged and provided for.

Kungun Ngarrindjeri Yunnan Agreement

The Ngarrindjeri are the Traditional Owners of the lower Murray, Lakes, Coorong and adjacent areas (Ngarrindjeri Yarluwar-Ruwe). In 2009 the Ngarrindjeri Regional Authority and the South Australian Government entered into the innovative Kungun Ngarrindjeri Yunnan contractual agreement. The agreement establishes a consultation and negotiation framework between the parties on matters relating to natural resources and cultural heritage management in the Ngarrindjeri nation. Outcomes associated with the Agreement are summarised below:

The Agreement has also supported the establishment of a number of other protocols to guide Ngarrindjeri partnerships.

Narungga Buthera Agreement

Narungga People and their ancestors have owned and occupied the land now known as Yorke Peninsula (Guuranda) and the surrounding waters and islands from time immemorial. In 2018 the Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation and the South Australian Government entered into the Narungga Buthera Agreement. The agreement sets out to strengthen the relationship between the Narungga People and the state that is respectful and constructive and that assists Narungga People to secure cultural, social and economic wellbeing.

The Agreement was an outcome of the South Australian Government’s treaty discussions.