Economic Development

CYPDA acknowledges that the main economic development issues reveal the need for:

• Ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources upon which the region is likely to depend in the short to medium term through its main industries, namely: mining, commercial fishing, agriculture, pearling, tourism and forest products.
• The provision of appropriate supporting infrastructure and in particular, the provision of priorities for the development of: service centres, transport infrastructure and other support services.
• The involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in a broader range of economic activities through:
• the re-occupation of traditional lands and the establishment of outstations;
• increasing interest in cultural tourism eco-tourism and recreational use of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lands through Cape York Peninsula; and
• improved access to commercial aspect of traditional activities such as fishing through modified license structures.
• The possible development of a regional economic centre to provide focus to the diverse and uncoordinated economic activity of Cape York Peninsula, including assessment of the future roles to be played by: Weipa, Cooktown and Thursday Island.

Additionally, in Stage 2 of Cape York Peninsula Land Use Strategy (CYPLUS) it was decided that future decision-making should recognise the direct and indirect economic contribution attributable to protected areas in terms of:

• Tourism and recreation
• Continuation of natural processes
• Water production from clean catchments
• Mitigation of natural disasters
• Fish spawning and breeding
• Food and fibre hunting and gathering and
• Reservoirs of genetic material.

CYPDA recognises that sustainable regional development is contingent upon:

• Motivated, skilled and resourceful people residing in the region who are committed to securing a viable future for themselves and their children.
• Strong industry and community leadership working with vibrant industry, community and common-interest associations and working groups
• The necessary physical infrastructure being in place to facilitate regional development
• Provision of appropriate assistance programs from the several levels of government, with culturally sensitive delivery services
• Assured markets and fair prices for the region's goods and services
• Investment capital for new ventures leading to improved employment opportunities.

Cape York Peninsula is facing significant challenges in securing its economic and environmental future. The implications of Queensland State Government Wild Rivers Legislation and the move towards Cape York’s listing as a World Heritage Area will have significant influence on Cape York’s future.

Cape York Peninsula Land Use Strategy
www.environment.gov.au/erin/cyplus

Cape York Heads of Agreement

The Cape York Heads of Agreement is an agreement designed to ensure coexistence on Cape York and joint protection of the environment. This landmark agreement was first signed by the Cattlemen's Union (CU), the Wilderness Society (TWS), the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), the Cape York Land Council (CYLC) and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peninsula Regional Council on the 5 February 1996. It is an agreement designed to protect cultural heritage and environmental values while also providing for greater certainty and more effective management of the pastoral industry. The original agreement was revisited in September 2001 and has seen the State of Queensland join the agreement. An important element of the agreement is to establish a mechanism, including a ‘Ministerial Implementation Committee’, that will translate long-held aspirations for Cape York Peninsula into action.

Agreements, Treaties and Negotiated Settlements Project
www.atns.net.au/agreement.asp?EntityID=472