The Indigenous Pastoral Program

Aboriginal land represents approximately 50% of the Northern Territory. Whilst only a percentage of this land is suitable for Pastoral purposes, it is largely not being utilised at this stage. This represents an opportunity for both the Pastoral Industry and Aboriginal communities to realise some long-term benefits for the development of this country.

The program is a partnership between the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC), Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines (DPIFM), The Northern Territory Cattleman’s Association, the Commonwealth Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) and the representative Land Councils for each of the two regions within the Northern Territory.

The ILC has funded six positions for the Indigenous Pastoral Program (two of those with National Landcare Program funds) in conjunction with the partnership agencies.

Four of those positions are in DPIFM and are funded for five years (one in Katherine, one in Darwin, two in Alice Springs). Another two positions are funded for five years, one each in the Northern and Central Land Councils.

The program is managed by an overarching steering committee that includes senior representatives from each of the participating agencies, including representation from Industry (through the NTCA) and other relevant areas.

The program has two clear objectives:

• Increase cattle numbers on Indigenous land
• Increase Indigenous participation in the pastoral workforce

The key areas identified for success of the program are :

• Suitable resources
• Corporate Governance to define Community direction
• Appropriate management structure
• Long term commitment and support

Please contact the IPP Program Manager, Stewart Blyth on (08) 89518140 with your enquiries.

Please also download more information here...