Lease change strengthens Wreck Bay community role
Changes to leasing arrangements for Booderee National Park in the Jervis Bay area of southern NSW have been agreed between the Australian Government and the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council (WBACC), strengthening First Nations park management and increasing revenue sharing arrangements.
The head lease is a comprehensive document setting out how the park is jointly managed between WBACC and the Australian Government through the Director of National Parks. The variation follows long-term discussions and negotiation between all parties.
The updated lease increases WBACC’s share of park revenue from 25 percent to 50 percent, and increases annual rents paid to WBACC to reflect current market values, strengthening benefit sharing.
Importantly, the variation recognises the Wreck Bay community’s long-held aspiration to assume sole responsibility for Booderee National Park, and sets out how the parties will work together in good faith to enable a transition to sole management of Booderee by WBACC by 31 May 2028.
This updated lease marks the first variation since 2003.
The variation to the head lease has been formally approved under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and Aboriginal Land and Waters (Jervis Bay Territory) Act 1986 (Cth).
“Booderee’s Traditional Owners have been clear that they want to have greater involvement in the management and operations of their land and, ultimately, to assume responsibility through sole management – and we strongly support this,” Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said.
“These changes support a stronger role for the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council in shaping the future of Booderee National Park.
“I want to recognise the efforts of the Director of National Parks Ricky Archer, and the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council in coming to this agreement.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy said the agreement recognised the important role Traditional Owners play in caring for Country and will strengthen the community’s role in managing the Booderee National Park.”
“This is a significant step towards the realisation of the vision of the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community,” she said.
“It’s also an important step towards self-determination, with a clear pathway for the Wreck Bay community to take on sole management of Booderee into the future.”
Chair of the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council, Craig Ardler welcomed the signing of a new park lease agreement.
“This new lease represents an important step forward in recognising the value of our land and the role our people play in protecting and managing it. The increased revenue delivered through this agreement will have direct and lasting benefits for Wreck Bay community members,” he said..
“Most importantly, this lease reflects recognition of Wreck Bay’s rights, responsibilities, and ongoing custodianship of our lands. It supports a future where our community can continue to care for Country while building economic independence and opportunity for generations to come.
“The Council remains committed to ensuring that the benefits of this agreement are shared across the community and contribute to a strong, healthy, and proud Wreck Bay.”
