We pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the State. A better understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures develops an enriched appreciation of Australia’s cultural heritage and can lead to reconciliation. This is essential to the maturity of Australia as a nation and fundamental to the development of an Australian identity.
Project benefits
The MLALC’s primary objectives is “to improve, protect and foster the best interests of all Aboriginal persons within the council area and other persons who are members of the council”.
This is the first time that a Local Aboriginal Land Council will proceed on a development of its own land to secure economic resources and support self-determination.
The proceeds from the development of the land will allow MLALC to fund its community land and business plan. This includes community benefit schemes for funerals, events, sponsorships, and social housing to support the needs of the local Aboriginal community.
It will also provide operational funding to support the conservation of Aboriginal culture and heritage, land management and administration of the MLALC.
Site benefits
The Patyegarang site offers an opportunity to balance economic participation with environmental protection and cultural use of the land in order to:
—
Achieve self-determination by using developable land to facilitate tangible economic, social, and cultural prosperity for members and for the local Aboriginal community
—
Identify, conserve, and enhance the existing heritage significance of the site to foster distinctive local places
—
Generate opportunities to promote local tourism and cultural education.
—
Established well-managed walking trails and other community benefits including an outdoor cultural community centre.
—
Deliver culturally appropriate social infrastructure and promote contemporary cultural expression.
—
Create future built form outcomes that respect and respond to the natural environment and its unique characteristics.
Community benefits
The Patyegarang site has the potential to provide significant public benefit including:
—
Protection and management of Aboriginal heritage on the site
—
A new community cultural centre showcasing the Aboriginal history of the site
—
Improved water quality on-site and downstream in Narrabeen Lagoon by ensuring the future development implements the latest stormwater management technology in water quality treatment
—
Conservation of approximately 19.8 hectares of environmental land
—
Improved bushfire protection for adjoining properties and the general area with fire trail management, hazardous fuel management, asset protection zones and other measures
—
Increased housing supply and housing diversity in the Northern Beaches LGA
—
Provision of community facilities
—
Development of educational programs and activities that promote Aboriginal cultural heritage
—
Internal road network design with public domain improvements, including enhanced lighting, and new slip lane at the intersection of Morgan Road and Forest Way.
—
Improved water quality on-site and downstream in Narrabeen Lagoon by ensuring the future development will implement the latest stormwater management technology in water quality treatment.
