Council has become concerned about incorrect misinformation being circulated around our community in recent weeks, regarding the Recognition and Settlement Agreement (RSA) between Barengi Gadjin Land Council (BGLC) and the Victorian State Government.
Council is committed to free speech but would like to address incorrect information. Therefore, in the interests of transparency and keeping our community fully informed, Council would like to share some further information which it hopes will clarify the situation for the community.
We have prepared a series of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) to help the community understand the history and impact on our Shire of the RSA between the BGLC and the Victorian State Government. These are available in full on Council’s website.
Southern Grampians Shire Mayor Councillor David Robertson encouraged people to read through the FAQS, stating there really is very little impact or change for Shire residents in the Recognition Settlement Agreement.
“We’d like to make it very clear to our residents and community that the impact to our shire is minimal under this agreement. A small part of the Southern Grampians Shire, to the north of Rocklands Reservoir northern shore and to the south of Rocklands Cherrypool Road, which is largely managed by Parks Victoria, is affected by the RSA agreement area. This is approximately only 37 square kilometres out of a total Shire area of 6,652 square kilometres and is made up primarily of state-owned Crown Land.
“No other land within Southern Grampians Shire Council is affected by the RSA. The agreement will not impact government owned or managed roads on freehold land in Southern Grampians Shire. It only applies to crown land in the specified area. So I assure everyone, you don’t need to be concerned about your farm land or property – there will be no changes for you under this agreement”.
“Council is not a party to the agreement, its between the State Government and the BGLC. The only expectation on Council is that we work cooperatively with BGLC to strengthen the relationship and engage with them where appropriate. Our community engagement Policy sets out our commitment to engagement with our entire community, including our First Nations and Traditional Owner Groups. This agreement with BGLC does not add to these requirements but clarifies the consultation process and cultural protocols for working within the BGLC agreement area” Cr Robertson said.
An important action from Southern Grampians Shire Council’s 2021-25 Council Plan is to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) with First Nations people. The First Nations people in our community are represented by three groups – Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation and Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BGLC).
Council is currently developing a Reconciliation Action Plan in consultation with these organisations. Once the plan is at a draft stage, this will be shared with the community for comment and feedback.
This is important work, which we believe will ultimately benefit our whole community through understanding, cultural awareness, and providing opportunities for the community as a whole.
