South Queensland Traditional Owners´ Federation (SQTOF)

South Queensland Central Office

PO Box 3

ST.GEORGE QLD 4487

T 07 46254258 F 07 46251919 E info@sqtof.bioregion.org

ABN 14 976 634 908

South Central Office

Dianne Connolly

Coordinator

Ph. 07 4625 4258

Mobile: 0419 177 661

South West QLD Office

Wayne Wharton

President

South East QLD Office

Shane Coghill

SEQ Liaison Officer

Established four years ago, the South Queensland Traditional Owners Federation represents approximately 40 Traditional Owner groups throughout south east and south west Queensland.

The Federation was established in response to the lack of support and assistance given to Traditional Owners of southern Queensland by most if not all government departments and the past and present Native Title Representative Bodies. Our Federation is an incorporated body governed by a recognized board of elected and culturally endorsed representatives. The Federation has provided cost effective, timely and successful engagement programs for Traditional Owner groups and a structured way of doing business with government.

New Key documents

Aboriginal Submission on Draft Qld Biodiscovery Bill 2003
Slide Show on Southern Queensland Aboriginal Youth Strategy

SQTOF ACHIEVEMENTS

Established a federation of Traditional Owner groups covering Southern Queensland.

Was recognised as a unique non government lead agent in the SEQ2021 Regional plan.

Was recognised as non government partners in the DATSIPD Ten Year partnership agreement.

Facilitated employment of traditional owners in government agencies.

Successfully facilitated Traditional Owners receiving over $120,000 in NHT1 grants and a further $100,000 in Envirofund Grants in South East Queensland.

Successfully facilitated the inclusion of new cabinet endorsed sections on Indigenous Involvement in the SE2021 Plan, the SEQ Regional Nature Conservation Strategy and the SEQ Water Quality Strategy.

Provided vital assistance to the State Government in traditional owner involvement in the State Coastal Management Plan.

Facilitated and supported the operation of the Balonne Indigenous Progress Group and the Moreton Bay and Catchments Traditional Owner Advisory Group.

Facilitated the involvement of SEQ coastal traditional owners in the new regional arrangements for NHT2.

Facilitated traditional owner input into the Qld Murray Darling Basin draft natural resource strategy.

Negotiated key changes to the Qld Cultural Management Bill.

Established best practice protocols and MOUs with a number agencies and partners.

Provide independent, consistent and practical advice to Ministers and agencies on how to best engage traditional owners and avoid sub standard practices.

Provided accurate cultural advice regarding appropriate Traditional Owners and Knowledge holders to involve in planning and assessment processes.

The Traditional Owners involvement processes facilitated by the federation have been completed on time and within budget. The government strategies and plans that used these processes and adopted their outcomes have all been scrutinised and endorsed by the Qld Cabinet.

Through our actions we have achieved some positive changes in Government Policy and protocols regarding traditional owners.

Through our actions the real needs of traditional owners in employment, health and land rights are beginining to be addressed on-ground and on-country by Traditional Owners.

Last Updated Monday, 23 February 2004