THIS INTERIM AGREEMENT is made the <date> 1996 between the <name> WORKING GROUP (the Working Group) representing the native title applicants in the <name of area> area and the SHIRE OF <name of Shire> (the Shire):


1. The Shire acknowledges that the Aboriginal people are the original inhabitants of the <name of area> region, and that according to their continuing law, traditions and customs it remains their traditional country.

2. The Aboriginal people of <name of town> acknowledges the colonisation of the <name of town> area by non-Aboriginal people and respect the continuing rights and interests of all the people in the <name of town> community.

3. The arrival of non-Aboriginal people brought massive changes to this land and to its indigenous people. However the Shire acknowledges and respects their law, their customs and their traditions and their special relationship with the land. The Shire also acknowledges and respects the rights of the Aboriginal people to speak for their country and the duties imposed on them to look after their traditional country, in accordance with their laws, customs and traditions.

4. The parties commit themselves to seek together ways in which Aboriginal interests can be advanced where decisions are to be made about their traditional country.

5. The parties commit themselves to work together to ensure that this is done in a way that advances the interests of the whole community and promotes harmonious community interests.

6. This interim agreement is made as an act of good faith on all sides and is not intended to affect the legal rights, powers or obligations of any of the parties.

7. The Working Group and the Shire commit themselves to the development of greater community understanding of Aboriginal culture in the <name of region> region and increasing opportunities for cultural tourism.

8. The Shire commits itself in principle to supporting the economic aspirations of the Aboriginal people and recognises that their economic development will be of benefit to the economy of <name of town> as a whole.

9. The Working Group and the Shire agree to seek the support of the State Government for future cooperative arrangements involving the following elements:

(1) The development of a planning strategy to be embodied in the town plan <name of town> which will identify:

  • areas of land of special cultural significance to Aboriginal people;
  • areas of land to be the subject of joint management arrangements; and
  • areas of land subject to continuing development pressures in respect of which Aboriginal interests require specific recognition and protection.

    (2) The formulation of mechanisms for inclusion in the planning strategy to provide for recognition and protection of Aboriginal interests in decisions made under the town plan and for joint management.

    (3) Arrangements under which coastal reserves in the <name of area> area would be the subject of joint management arrangements with the reserves vested in the Working Group, the Shire, or jointly in the Working Group, the Shire and/or the Department of <name of State conservation agency>.

    (4) Joint management agreements which will include as their objects:
  • the protection and enhancement of Aboriginal traditions and values in relation to the land and recognition of their status as traditional owners of the land;
  • the protection and enhancement of the coastal environment; and
  • public access to and use of coastal areas in ways that are compatible with these objects.

    (5) The use of the<name of reserve> Reserve for the benefit of the Aboriginal people of <name of town> on terms and conditions to be discussed.

    10. The parties agree to approach State and Federal agencies for assistance in the formulation of the planning strategy and its incorporation in the town plan.

    11. The Working Group agrees to deal with the Shire and the State with a view to reaching substantial agreements as a matter of priority. The Shire recognises that it will be necessary for Working Group to consult with the wider Aboriginal community before any agreements can be finalised.