Playbook for Urban Biodiversity

S1. Support to advise on caring for Country in urban settings

Fostering collaborative approaches for urban development: Empowering traditional owners in biodiversity conservation and cultural integration.

Existing Traditional Owner groups, including Land Councils, have a broad portfolio of interests, and must balance their time and attention across many issues. At the same time, local governments and major developers need to consider the fundamental differences in approach that Caring for Country requires of them, including in relation to biodiversity. Work needs to be undertaken, and opportunities identified to better support Traditional Owners to guide key developments in urban settings. Supporting First Nations biodiversity knowledge holders to not only provide advice on design and maintenance to bring developments into line with local ecosystems, but also in improving the visibility of Indigenous stories and culture in urban landscapes, mindful of cultural load, safety and shared benefits is a critical action at local, state and national scales.