Centrefarm has recently established the Aboriginal Land Economic Development Agency, which aims to implement and coordinate multi-industry Aboriginal-owned developments throughout the Northern Territory.
The project is supported by the Northern Hub with funding from the Australian government's Future Drought Fund.
Centrefarm, a company limited by guarantee established to provide benefit to Aboriginal landowners in the Northern Territory through driving the commercial and sustainable development of their lands, works closely with the Central and Northern Land Councils.
Centrefarm's Project Development Manager Brody Smith said the co-mapping project sets an important precedent "towards aligning economic growth and cultural preservation".
"The maps can be used as a platform to facilitate communication, discussion, and decision-making, while supporting intergenerational knowledge transfer, and educating non-Aboriginal stakeholders."
The Aboriginal Land Economic Development Agency (ALEDA) aims to facilitate economic independence by supporting and assisting Traditional Owners to develop commercial opportunities.
Its pilot phase will include six commercial horticultural operations and regional training facilities to trial the strategy's commercial and social aspects, while addressing local decision-making, economic participation, education, training, and food security.
Centrefarm said that over the past three years it has created "significant local employment opportunities", provided a local education option past year ten, and grown marketable produce and trial crops.
The company says a co-mapping on Country model that facilitates the creation of large canvas maps as the basis for engagement and governance has been a key to the project's success.
Northern Hub director Nadia Rimmer said the Co-Mapping project "sets an important precedent for inclusive and responsible land development while laying the foundation for sustainable economic and regional growth".
"It offers a functional model of two-way governance that enables the integration of environmental and cultural maintenance, while supporting community well-being and economic prosperity," she said.
The company described their Co-Mapping initiative as "a tangible testament to the power of collaborative efforts, guided by respect and vision" which can "serve as a model for sustainable development extending beyond the confines of the Northern Territory".
Tasmania Farm Innovation Hub director Sandra Knowles said after taking part in the directors meeting at the Northern Hub, at which Centrefarm showcased the co-mapping project, she was "genuinely impressed by the innovative approach they have taken".
"The co-created map of the Iliyarne Land Trust distinctly reflects the immense value of collaboration and two-way governance. It sets forth an admirable framework for drought communication, planning, and resilience," she said.
The Northern Hub is a collaborative research initiative bringing together scientists, policymakers, First Nation's communities, and industry stakeholders to address environmental challenges and support sustainable development in northern Australia.
