1 October, 2020

1 October 2020

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) would like to inform the Land Rights network that a further time extension of six months has been approved for Local Aboriginal Land Councils to review their Community Land and Business Plans (CLBPs).

NSWALC has previously provided two extensions to the timeframe required under S82(1A) of the NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (ALRA) for the review of LALC CLBPs following new Board elections.

However, ongoing restrictions on social gatherings to protect community health and safety, and concerns related to the spread of COVID-19 have continued to impact LALCs’ abilities to deliver on their compliance activities required under the ALRA.

Discussions with NSWALC Zone Directors indicate that many LALCs are still reluctant to call Members’ meetings to discuss and undertake a review of their CLBPs. 

Therefore, NSWALC has now approved a further 6-month extension for CLBP reviews and approvals – to 30 June 2021.

NSWALC has discussed this extension with the Registrar who is supportive of this approach, and the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Honourable Don Harwin MLC has also been informed.

This action is being taken minimise the need for LALCs to hold meetings and thereby to mitigate the impact and possible spread of COVID-19 in our communities.

All LALCs are encouraged to remain in contact with your Zone Offices for support on ensuring the continued good governance of your LALC during these unprecedented times.

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