An Economic Development Mentor Support Network is part of package of new initiatives announced by Environment and Resource Management Minister Kate Jones as the next plank of the Bligh Government’s Wild Rivers program, aimed at providing Indigenous communities in the Cape with greater capability to capitalise on economic opportunities.

 

The package will include: 

 

  • An ‘Economic Development Mentor Support Network’ where successful entrepreneurs will work with Indigenous communities to establish new businesses in Wild River areas, 
  • Capacity building for Indigenous local governments so they can process development applications in these areas more quickly and effectively, 
  • A Strategic Economic Development Plan to create real jobs in growing sectors that provide economic opportunities capitalising on the Cape’s outstanding natural values, and
  • Indigenous Reference Committees to provide clear feedback to the Minister from Traditional Owners who speak for country in relevant declaration areas.

Ms Jones said the government is also committing to extending Indigenous water reserves from the Cape Wild Rivers to the Gulf Wild Rivers.

 

“These water entitlements are the first of their kind in Australia and will play an important role in future economic development,” Ms Jones said.