NORTH Queensland Bulk Ports has worked with traditional owners to release its Reconciliation Action Plan aimed at building capacity, opportunities and greater cultural acknowledgement and awareness.
NQBP includes several ports as far afield as Weipa to Hay Point.
The RAP was announced as part of NAIDOC Week activities.
Chief executive Nicolas Fertin said the NQBP Reconciliation Action Plan 2020 to 2022 built upon
NQBP’s existing relationships with traditional owners.
“NQBP has been actively engaging and building relationships with the Traditional Owners of the land and sea at each of our ports over several decades,” Mr Fertin said.
“This has included procurement through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, community engagement through sponsorships and most recently recognition of language with the naming of Gudyara Road in Mackay.”
Mr Fertin said the RAP included engaging staff and stakeholders in reconciliation and developing and piloting innovative strategies to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“Our vision for Reconciliation is to build sustainable and meaningful partnerships and relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” he said.
The development of the RAP included engagement with Traditional Owner groups; Juru
at Abbot Point, Yuwi at Mackay and Hay Point and the Algnith and Wik Waya at Weipa.
Reconciliation Australia chief executive Karen Mundine commended NQBP.
“Implementing an Innovate RAP signals North Queensland Bulk Ports’ readiness to develop and strengthen relationships, engage staff and stakeholders in reconciliation, and pilot innovative strategies to ensure effective outcomes,” Ms Mundine said.
“Getting these steps right will ensure the sustainability of future RAPs and reconciliation initiatives and provide meaningful impact toward Australia’s reconciliation journey,” she said.
“Congratulations North Queensland Bulk Ports on your Innovate RAP and I look forward to following your ongoing reconciliation journey.”
