The Wire

The Australian Conservation Foundation is taking a new tack –launching a Northern Australia program which will seek partnerships with indigenous communities from the Kimberly to Cape York. ACF President Peter Garrett says that while the magnificent region enjoys rich cultures with strong connections to country and areas of unspoilt beauty –the North has it’s own challenges – both environmentally and in the economic, social and health problems faced by many indigenous communities. Mr Garrett says that in the past they have joined with indigenous groups to work on one-off campaigns – like Jabiluka – but after a year of discussions and consultations they want to establish a comprehensive, integrated program that hinges on true partnership. The main tenets for local peoples will include land management, improved sustainability, conservation and land rights. Rubena Colbey asked Mr Garrett why the program was being launched now.