Project Update - Engagement with key Aboriginal stakeholders to commence in early 2024

Council officers are preparing to recommence engagement with key Aboriginal stakeholders about the proposed Aboriginal reconciliation garden at Boongaree.

Engagement activities related to this project were placed on hold in late 2022, following a successful National Tree Day planting event held on the site of the proposed reconciliation garden in August 2022.

Engagement activities remained on hold throughout 2023, to allow sufficient time for the national referendum on constitutional recognition and the Uluru Statement from the Heart (the Voice) to occur.

Work to recommence engagement activities for this project follows on from an interim report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council, held on 27 November 2023, about the sequencing of future stages at Boongaree. At this meeting, Council resolved:

That the sequencing of future stages at Boongaree requires further consideration because of revised cost estimates and site constraints.
To undertake engagement activities with sporting groups that use the existing sportsgrounds and amenities at Boongaree, including the Touch Football Club, Cricket Club, Soccer Club and Rugby League Club.
To undertake engagement activities with Aboriginal stakeholders, including local Aboriginal land councils, Elders and Aboriginal communities with a connection to lands and waters in and around Berry, in relation to the concept design for the proposed reconciliation garden.

The outcomes of these engagement activities will assist Council to agree on priorities for the delivery of future stages at Boongaree.

For more information, or to provide feedback on the delivery of future stages at Boongaree, please contact the Open Space & Recreation Planning team on 1300 293 111, or council@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au.

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