Noosa Council has signed an historic commitment to sustainable custodianship of the lands and waters of Noosa, in partnership with Kabi Kabi Peoples Aboriginal Corporation (KKPAC).
As part of the world’s oldest continuing culture, the Kabi Kabi have been living sustainably in the Noosa Shire for over 30,000 years, caring for the lands and waters that we all call home.
Kabi Kabi Peoples’ relationship with the land is based on the notion for custodianship of Country, protecting, sustainably managing, and regenerating natural systems that we rely on for healthy food, clean water, fresh air, medicine, culture, shelter and recreation.
Mayor Frank Wilkie said the commitment between Noosa Council and the Kabi Kabi People acknowledges Noosa’s First Nations people and their deep cultural and spiritual connection to the natural systems that sustain us.
“Today presents the opportunity for each of us to live more consciously, more mindfully, with deeper respect, gratitude and appreciation for this most incredible place and for each other,” Mayor Wilkie said.
“Today we also acknowledge the many who are already showing the way for our children, children who see that they are growing in a community where people are striving to treat the land, its flora and fauna and those who live there with kindness and care.
“This commitment is a recognition of the role that residents, businesses and visitors have as joint custodians and reminds us that we all rely on nature in order to thrive.
“It invites us to join with Noosa’s First Nations People’s to be custodians of Noosa so we can all continue to thrive in the future.“
This builds on the long history of council’s sustainable development ethos and formalises the two organisations existing strong working relationship.
This shared custodianship approach with First Nations Peoples was inspired by leading global best practice examples, including New Zealand’s ‘Tiaki Promise’ and the ‘Palau Pledge’.
“Both of these underpin each country’s respective destination management approach and expectations of all who live and visit these places,” Cr Wilkie said.
In a moving ceremony on Thursday 19 September Mayor Wilkie and Noosa’s six councillors joined the Kabi Kabi People’s Aboriginal Corporation’s seven board members to sign the commitment.
Cr Wilkie said it was council’s responsibility to make decisions on behalf of the community.
“This document reaffirms our commitment to care for this place we all love,” Cr Wilkie said.
A sentiment echoed by Kabi Kabi Chair Norman Bond.
“With this commitment, we’re inviting everyone to join us in opening our hearts, to listen deeply, to learn intently and embrace all life that shares this beautiful place with us,” he said.
“We acknowledge our ancestors, who looked after and nurtured these lands for thousands of generations. We all now have a responsibility to ensure Noosa remains a place that regenerates and sustains nature so that it can continue to sustain our children in return,” Mr Bond said.
“This commitment is a tangible promise to look after, care for and respect our land and waterways,”
Mr Bond said it’s important that custodianship is shared with current and future generations.
“This requires a collective approach to how we care for what we love about Noosa,” he said.
This is the first commitment of its type in Queensland.
Mr Bond hopes other local governments will follow Noosa’s lead.
“This is more than just a formal, symbolic agreement, it acknowledges our values and principles and is a tangible promise to look after, care for and respect these lands and waterways, in order to create a place of mutual flourishing.”
