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February 4, 2002 Media Release

North Entrance Development Proposal - A Milestone in Self Determination

A multi-million dollar development proposal involving a parcel of prime land on the NSW Central Coast would mean a new era of self determination for the Indigenous people of the region and would provide a stimulus to tourism.

The proposal, involving just over 101 hectares of vacant land adjacent to the North Entrance beachfront, would help provide its owners, the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council, with future financial independence.

After a weekend of meetings, Land Council members have resolved to enter into negotiations over the development of a first class integrated tourist resort and residential complex on the North Entrance site, by preferred proponent Mirvac.

A public golf course; Indigenous Cultural Heritage Centre; unrestricted beachfront access and a surf life saving club would form part of the development.

"We believe it's the first proposal of this magnitude involving a Local Aboriginal Land Council in this State," Darkinjung Chairman David Pross said today. "But it means much more to us than money.

"If it goes ahead, this project would give us the means to tackle disadvantage and the social problems that come with it. The Prime Minister talks about improving health, housing, education and employment for Aboriginal people, but we're sick of waiting for him to do something about it. We may soon have the funds to do something ourselves," Mr Pross said.

The Central Coast has the country's largest growing Indigenous population, as Aboriginal people relocate from around NSW and other parts of Australia, in the hope of finding greater opportunities and a better life for their children.

"Programs to help our kids are a top priority. We have plans for a scholarship scheme already on the drawing board," Darkinjung Secretary Barry Duncan said. "Unfortunately our area has the highest incidence of Indigenous youth suicide, so we'll also be looking at ways to address that issue."

The Darkinjung Land Council also has plans to expand its affordable housing service and it's employment scheme, with training courses to multi-skill the local Indigenous population.

Darkinjung Treasurer Roger Sentance said the Local Land Council was determined to ensure money raised from any future deal would be wisely invested.

"We will put in place mechanisms to ensure the sound financial management of any money raised and to guarantee ongoing benefits to the local Aboriginal people," Mr Sentance said.

The peak body for land councils in the State, the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, has welcomed the negotiations between Darkinjung and Mirvac.

"Land is important to Aboriginal people and has provided sustenance since time immemorial, but equally important today is the need for a job, a house and an opportunity for our kids to obtain a good education," Councillor for the Sydney/Newcastle Region, Veronica Graf said.

Chairman of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Rod Towney, agreed there could be great benefits for the local community.

"Darkinjung is one of our great success stories. Today's announcement shows what Aboriginal communities are capable of when they are allowed to make their own decisions.

"We want to see an end to the welfare mentality that has kept our people in a vicious cycle of poverty. Darkinjung is a fine example to other Aboriginal communities," Chairman Towney concluded.

A landmark development, such as the one proposed, would not only be a flagship for Central Coast tourism, but would provide long-term employment opportunities for the local community.

The decision by Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council members follows an international call for proposals which attracted strong interest from major resort developers.