Cape York Policy Head Office | Caring for Country | CYBD | CYDN | Infrastructure | Land ReformThe Aboriginal people of Cape York have made a transition through four economies over the past two hundred and eighteen years: subsistence, mission/protectionist, welfare and market economies. In order to ensure that the best transition towards future prosperity occurs, Balkanu advocates for Cape York communities. Winning back the original economic rights of Aboriginal people to land tenure and management represents a lasting battle. However the primary goal of Balkanu is to enable Aboriginal people to be in a position to choose for themselves the kind of lives they value. Therefore Balkanu advocates policies to enable individuals and communities to work towards a prosperous and independent economic future that values Aboriginal culture. 2006 achievements The policy advocacy and development in the current period has involved work on the sustainability and independence of Balkanu itself. There has been a concerted effort to establish ways for self sufficiency to be achieved. Further assessment has been made of the various projects and units within Balkanu to determine levels of autonomy and the capacity to develop independent operations and management. In addition considerable advocacy has been made on behalf of traditional owners to ensure that all of the current land tenure claims are honoured by the state and federal governments. Management of national parks and the environment of Cape York has been a long standing advocacy goal of Balkanu and considerable effort has been made to ensure this is achieved. 2007 priorities In 2007 the policy goals of Balkanu are to: Further develop the strong fiscal autonomy and self sufficiency of Balkanu by identifying and developing commercial products and services. Support the CYLC to bring about a final resolution of land claims over the landmass of Cape York. Validate the scientific importance of traditional Aboriginal land stewardship and management. |
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