A new native title agreement is set to deliver economic benefits for the Gascoyne region's Yinggarda people and the local horticultural industry.
The agreement will support the Yinggarda people in planning for their economic future and protect culturally significant areas.
It also marks a significant step in the State Government's Gascoyne Food Bowl Initiative, which aims to increase horticultural production in Carnarvon by providing new land and water resources for irrigation.
It paves the way for the full 400-hectare expansion of the Carnarvon horticultural precinct, with a land release for horticultural uses anticipated in the new year.
The agreement follows extensive negotiation between the State Government, the Yinggarda Aboriginal Corporation and the Western Australian Agriculture Authority.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"This is a significant milestone that embodies the respect, understanding and recognition of our first people and the important connection they have to land, culture and community.
"This agreement is a critical step towards opening up new land for horticultural development in Carnarvon as part of the Gascoyne Food Bowl project.
"This means we can get on with a land release early next year, helping to drive critical mass in the Gascoyne to support local growers."
As stated by Lands and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt:
"The Yinggarda Aboriginal people are the traditional custodians of this land and I'd like to acknowledge their efforts to reach this agreement.
"This agreement will secure many benefits for local people by assisting Yinggarda Aboriginal Corporation to deliver its strategic goals, while supporting horticultural development in the Gascoyne and flow-on economic and employment opportunities.
"It highlights the productive arrangements that can be achieved when native title holders, Government, industry and the community work together."
Agriculture and Food Minister's office - 6552 6200
