Strategic Plan

Purpose of the Strategic Plan

The Strategic Plan sets out our concerns and proposals regarding the use, management and governance of Mandingalbay Yidinji Country, with a particular focus on the following protected areas:

• Grey Peaks National Park

• Malbon Thompson Forest Reserve

• East Trinity Environmental Reserve

• Giangurra Reserve

• Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park

• Trinity Inlet Fish Habitat Area

Many of these protected areas lie within other forms of protected area – the Wet Tropics and Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Areas.

These protected areas were established on our Country by Commonwealth, State and Local governments over many years without our consent.  The Strategic Plan aims to establish the framework for collaboration between Mandingalbay Yidinji people and the protected areas management agencies, including the implementation of commitments contained within the Indigenous Land Use Agreement between Mandingalbay Yidinji People, the State of Queensland and the Wet Tropic Management Authority.

The Strategic Plan will lay the ground work for building the capacity and opportunities for Mandingalbay Yidinji people to be involved in the day to day management of the natural and cultural values of Mandingalbay Yidinji Country, and outline opportunities for our involvement in eco-tourism and other economic development initiatives in the region.

The development of the Strategic Plan follows many years of struggle by Mandingalbay Yidinji people for recognition of our inherent rights and interests in our traditional Country.  Having recently gained recognition of our native title rights and interests in at least some of our Country, we now look forward to devoting our energies to repairing and caring for our Country.

Developing the Strategic Plan

The development of the Strategic Plan was coordinated by Dale Mundraby and Vince Mundraby on behalf of the Mandingalbay Yidinji Aboriginal Corporation and all Mandingalbay Yidinji people, facilitated by consultant Dermot Smyth with support from Steve McDermott of Terrain NRM.

Consultation meetings and visits to Country were held with Traditional Owners and with government agencies that have responsibilities and interests in Mandingalbay Yidinji Country.  In March 2008 representatives of these agencies participated in a workshop at which the key aspirations and proposals outlined in this Strategic Plan were discussed.

MYAC Strategic Business Plan

The Mandingalbay Yidinji Aboriginal Corporation (MYAC) has strong aspirations to develop and maintain meaningful employment for our people and those of the Yarrabah community in general, with the intent of creating an economic hub of opportunities and intergenerational planning.

Our Program builds on past and current activities of the MY people from the time we achieved Native Title over our traditional homelands in 2006 to the current day.  Together, we have delivered and continue to deliver many strategies, programs, projects and other activities.

The Mandingalbay Yidinji Aboriginal Corporation Strategic Business Plan 2013 to 2018 sets a strategic framework and identifies a number of pathways for our people to develop including the establishment of a Human Resources Centre and Registered Training Organisation to create and facilitate employment for Mandingalbay Yidinji and Yarrabah people. It identifies that attention be paid to recruitment and training for MYAC’s own operations and for placement of indigenous people in employment in joint venture businesses, lessees, etc. It is also recommends that, as a first step, development of a specific business plan be undertaken by MYAC.

Towards this end, MYAC has undertaken a range of preliminary activities including feasibility studies to develop training programs and registering MYAC as a Registered Training Organisation and a development outline to establish ecotourism businesses on the East Trinity Inlet, in close proximity to the Cairns Central Business District.  All of the studies have indicated that ventures should be explored to assist our people to enhance our livelihoods.

Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples Advancement Program (MYPAP)

The Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples Advancement Program aims to enhance the livelihoods of our people to enable and maintain an ongoing connection to and socioeconomic base from our lands.

The broad aim of this Program is to establish a framework that enhances job creation and economic development among our people and adds value to existing programs to progress the development of the Mandingalbay Yidinji people and our country.

More specific Program Objectives include:

• Enhance the capacity of our people to establish an economic base and to identify and participate in employment and other economic development opportunities.

• Enhance and maintain connection with our country through land and sea management activities.

• Improve the leadership and governance capacity of Mandingalbay Yidinji people, families, organisations and communities.

• Deliver protection, recording and knowledge transmission of the Mandingalbay Yidinji  peoples Cultural Heritage associated with the native title determined areas and Indigenous Protected Area.

• Increase the participation and acceptance of our people in the economic and social life of the nation.

• Empowerment and autonomy strengthened by the implementation of community investment strategies.

• Centralising access to resources and stabilising good governance, decision making including collaborative partnerships.

Subject to funding approval the MYAC will deliver this Program through Djunbunji Ltd. The Board of Directors will oversee the deliver of the Program over a four year timeframe.