Nominated in the 2019 IAPH World Ports Sustainability Awards, Gladstone Ports’ Indigenous Land Use Agreement has been selected as one of three nominees to be put forward for a public vote.

The ILUA was voluntarily established in 2014 between First Nations Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng, Taribelang Bunda People Aboriginal Corporation and GPC to ensure responsible and respectful management of the lands and sea on which the port operates.

GPC’s general manager of people, community and sustainability, Rowen Winsor, believes the nomination highlights the importance and success of the agreement.

“The ILUA has bridged a gap between the community and GPC,” Ms Winsor said.

“It has allowed us to work together in a sustainable and mutually beneficial manner, while educating and enhancing our community and environment.

“The ILUA provides consent for grants of tenure and approvals for port development, in return for benefit payments, none of which would be possible without our partnership.”

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First Nations Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng, Taribelang Bunda People Aboriginal Corporation Registered Native Title Body Corporate chairman Matthew Cooke said the ILUA places First Nations people at the forefront of economic development on traditional lands.

Mr Cooke said the ILUA was underpinned by the principles of self-determination and empowerment for Aboriginal people.

“We are decision makers at the table with the GPC,” Mr Cooke said.

“Most importantly, the GPC ILUA ensure that First Nations people now share in the prosperity and benefits from port development and activity”.

GPC now awaits the outcome of the public vote, which closes on 26 April.

Winners will be announced in May at the IPAH conference in Guangzhou, China.