The Shire of Victoria Plains has become the second local government in the Yued Agreement Area to sign up to the 'Noongar Heritage Agreement - Local Government'.
Under the agreement, the Shire will notify Yued Aboriginal Corporation whenever it is planning certain ground-disturbing works. "Minimal impact" works are exempt from the notification process.
The agreement signing marks the latest in a series of efforts the Shire and YAC have made together to work together.
During NAIDOC week, the Shire supported the production of jerseys for the Calingiri Cougars sports club, with Yued artist Utah John-Furnace's design worn by AFL, hockey and netball teams.
A tourist viewing platform at the European Space Agency's New Norcia Ground Station - funded by the WA government - is in the process of manufacture and installation, with Yued-designed interpretation elements in development.
Yued Aboriginal Corporation chairperson Sharna Meinertz said the organisation welcomed the agreement with the Shire of Victoria Plains, "not just because it signals the Shire's intention to work with our knowledge holders into the future, but because it signals to the community at large that Noongar cultural heritage protection is everybody's business".
"Victoria Plains is showing real commitment to us, real recognition of our ancient history and the place it has in the landscape," she said.
Shire of Victoria Plains president, Councillor Pauline Bantock, described protecting heritage and respecting culture as "responsibilities we all share".
"This agreement demonstrates the Shire's commitment to working with Yued Aboriginal Corporation in a practical, respectful and forward-looking way," she said.
"We are proud to be only the second local government in the Yued Agreement Area to sign the Noongar Heritage Agreement for Local Government.
"The agreement creates certainty for both organisations and provides a clear pathway for consultation when works have the potential to affect Aboriginal heritage.
"Most importantly, it strengthens a relationship that is already delivering positive outcomes for our community through cultural recognition, heritage initiatives and collaborative projects."
