Published on Monday, 24 August 2026 at 10:54:39 AM
The Shire of Victoria Plains has signed the Noongar Heritage Agreement – Local Government with the Yued Aboriginal Corporation, establishing a framework for early consultation and informed decision-making on activities that may impact Aboriginal cultural heritage sites.
Under the agreement, the Shire will notify the Yued Aboriginal Corporation when certain ground-disturbing works are proposed, helping ensure cultural heritage considerations are identified and discussed early in the planning process. Minimal impact works are exempt from the notification requirements.
Victoria Plains is the second local government within the Yued Agreement Area to formally adopt the framework, joining the Shire of Chittering.
The signing marks another milestone in the growing relationship between the Shire and the Yued Aboriginal Corporation and strengthens efforts to recognise cultural heritage, advance reconciliation and support sustainable community development across the region.
Shire President Cr Pauline Bantock said:
"The Shire of Victoria Plains is committed to building strong and respectful relationships with the Yued people and working together in a spirit of partnership and reconciliation."
"This agreement provides a practical framework for collaboration, ensuring cultural heritage considerations are considered early in the planning process while continuing to support the sustainable development of our communities."
The partnership builds on several successful collaborative initiatives already underway. Recent examples include the Shire's support for culturally themed sporting jerseys designed by Yued artist Utah John-Furnace for the Calingiri Cougars during NAIDOC Week, and the development of Yued-designed interpretation elements for the new visitor viewing platform at the European Space Agency's New Norcia Ground Station.
Yued Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson Sharna Meinertz welcomed the agreement and the ongoing partnership with the Shire.
"We welcome this agreement with the Shire of Victoria Plains, not just because it signals the Shire's intention to work with our knowledge holders into the future, but because it signals to the community at large that Noongar cultural heritage protection is everybody's business."
"Victoria Plains is showing real commitment to us, real recognition of our ancient history and the place it has in the landscape."
ENDS
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