Rainforest Aboriginal Involvement

On 1 March 2011, the Rainforest Aboriginal Advisory Committee (RAAC) met for the last time as a committee to the Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) Board since its inception in February 2005.

The establishment of this committee under s40(1)(b) of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Protection and Management Act 1993 was a recommendation of the 2005 Wet Tropics Regional Agreement.

The Committee recommended to the WTMA Board that RAAC be dissolved to enable Traditional Owners to focus on establishing the peak Rainforest Aboriginal People’s Alliance (RAPA) for land and sea management in the Wet Tropics.

It is anticipated that the RAPA will assist in ensuring effective engagement of Rainforest Aboriginal people in the management of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area.

The WTMA appreciates the commitment and leadership of RAAC members in representing the interests of the 18 Rainforest Aboriginal tribal groups with a connection to the World Heritage Area. Recognition and thanks goes to all members for their contributions over the past six years.