WCCCA
WESTERN CAPE COMMUNITIES COEXISTENCE AGREEMENT
The Western Cape Communities Coexistence Agreement (WCCCA) is one of the largest and most complex Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUA) in Australia. The Agreement is between Comalco, the Queensland Government, Cape York Land Council (CYLC) representing Traditional Owners and Councils. It recognises Traditional Ownership of the Comalco Mining Lease areas, rights, culture, provides a range of benefits and initiatives for the communities, and provides support for Comalco's mining and other activities.
As a result of the Agreement a Coordinating Committee has been established to handle Agreement matters and Trusts established to handle management of community projects and funds. The Trusts are Charitable Trusts for Community Benefit purposes - not individual benefit. This means no cash, individual vehicles or houses etc. - the funds are for groups and Communities.
Under the Agreement the Coordinating Committee was established to manage all the numerous commitments detailed in the Agreement. The Coordinating Committee is the point of contact between Comalco and the communities, policy matters, monitors and evaluates the progress of all the Agreement commitments.
The Coordinating Committee (CC) is made up of 1 Traditional Owner (TO) from each of 2 separate families in each TO Group, the 4 Councils, Comalco, CYLC, State Government, Weipa Town representative and the Executive Officer. The Executive Officer is also employed by the Trusts. CC meetings are sponsored by Comalco and the meetings this year will be quarterly and held around the region.
Due to the heavy workload the CC has established 3 sub-committee's. The list below also tells you what the role of the CC is and how much there is to be done as a result of the WCCCA.
(i) WCCCA Sub-Committee
- WCCCA Review Planning
- Coordinating Committee Review
- Comalco Weipa Aboriginal Relations Policy
- Cultural Awareness Program
- Newsletter
(ii) Employment, Education & Training
- Comalco Traineeship Program
- Local Aboriginal Person Employment
- Ranger & Traditional Owner Training
- Bursaries
- General Employment, Education & Training Issues
(iii) Environment Sub-Committee
- Mining Site Clearance
- Illegal Huts
- Heritage
- Land & Sea Management
- Ranger Programs
- Land Relinquishment Criteria
