Aboriginal engagement

The Eyre Peninsula region encompasses the lands of numerous Traditional Owner groups.

We acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians whose ancestral lands are part of our landscape board region, and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge and respect the deep spiritual attachment and the relationship that Aboriginal people have to country.

The Board is committed to supporting the involvement of Aboriginal people and organisations in the management of the region’s landscapes and in recognising Aboriginal culture and knowledge of natural resources in the landscape.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains images, voices and names of deceased persons.

Caring for Country - Aboriginal Participation Plan

In 2024 we consulted with Aboriginal people across the Eyre Peninsula along with our Board and staff to establish our Caring for Country - Aboriginal Participation Plan. The Plan focuses on five key strategies:

• building relationships
• partnerships
• capacity building
• delivery and resourcing
• governance and accountability.

The Caring for Country Plan is about working hand-in-hand with communities to sustain the Eyre Peninsula region. The plan aims to achieve active partnerships across the landscape that enable Traditional Owners and Aboriginal people living in the region to maximise opportunities for maintaining connection with the land and to protect and maintain culture, cultural sites and natural resources of the lands and waters of the Eyre Peninsula region.

Aboriginal artwork

As part of our increased engagement with Aboriginal groups, we engaged Aboriginal artist Presten Warren from Painted Studios to create an artwork that represents our work and shows the deep relationship between people and the land. The artwork is titled 'Protection'. Presten describes it:

"Adorned in soothing hues of blues, greys, and greens, this piece beautifully intertwines symbols emphasising the protection and restoration of our soil, water management, biodiversity, and pest, plant and animal control.

"Scattered across the landscape are visions of kangaroo and emu tracks sharing the land with people whose journey's are depicted with footprints and U-shaped symbols of people sitting together, males & females, children & elders.

"Rock pools, waterholes, leaves and earth are featured throughout the piece in amongst symbols of connection representing our lush, pure and vibrant landscapes and the deep relationship between people and the land."

Statement of Commitment

In January 2022, the chairs of South Australia's nine landscape boards made a strong commitment to reconciliation and to strengthening the partnerships with First Nations across the state by signing a Statement of Commitment.

The statement marks an important formal commitment by the boards to collaborate with First Nations in working toward statewide landscape priorities. Developed in consultation with cultural authorities including the First Nations Coordinating Committee and SA Native Title Services, the statement gives twelve commitments to guide how each board will embed First Nations partnerships and expertise in delivering regional landscape plans.

In addition to this, the landscape boards are also included as signatories to the Department for Environment and Water's Reconciliation Action Plan.