27 August 2021

The Victorian Traditional Owner Cultural Landscapes Strategy, the first of its kind in Australia, was officially launched online on 27 August.

The Strategy details a plan to ensure that Victorian Traditional Owners such as the Taungurung people are integrally involved in the planning and management of Country according to their cultural knowledge, lore, and values.

TLaWC CEO Matthew Burns believes that this Strategy is progressive and reflects the core message that Traditional Owners have been highlighting for some time.

“The Cultural Landscapes Strategy is progression to greater partnership with the Victorian Government in how the Taungurung people care for Country and landscapes of cultural significance.”

“The Taungurung people have been custodians of their Country for thousands of years, and the knowledge passed down from our ancestors is integral to the preservation of our land and waters, both now and into the future.”

Horseshoe Lagoon was chosen as the launch location as an example of success when managing to cultural values, but due to lockdown restrictions this event was replaced by a virtual launch. TLaWC has led environmental water deliveries that have reconnected Horseshoe Lagoon to the Waring (upper-Goulburn River) main channel, resulting in strong responses from native wildlife and eradication of pest plant species. The site is a demonstration of the benefits of using Traditional Owner knowledge to heal and care for Country.

Paul Paton, Chief Executive of the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations (FVTOC), described the importance of the Strategy for Traditional Owners.

“The knowledge and practices we associate with Country is immense and we are thrilled to be able to celebrate this significant milestone for Victorian Traditional Owners as part of our journey towards healing, nation building and sovereignty.”

This new Strategy provides a framework that will underpin work by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and Parks Victoria on future forest and parks management and decision making, including policy and legislative reform.

The Strategy, and the media release from the FVTOC, can be viewed here – https://www.fvtoc.com.au/cultural-landscapes

Matthew Burns, TLaWC CEO, is available for interview. Please contact Chris Sutton, Communications Officer, on 0438 742 433 or csutton@taungurung.com.au