A growing number of people in Bundjaling country, now described as Northern New South Wales and South East Queensland, are working on a project we are led to believe may be significant, in Australia, and abroad.

Provisionally named Joint Title, the project is grounded on a concept combining an 'in country' agreement for shared ownership of private land by Indigenous Custodians and Torrens Title landholders.

Reflecting Indigenous guidance and perspectives, the agreements are adaptable for different landscapes according to protocol and customary practices.

Under principles of sustainable ecology, each agreement will be specific to natural and social values of a property for cultural and environmental regeneration, education and heritage protection.

Joint Title will bind parties within an ethical framework for co-hosting of Indigenous knowledges and 1st world technologies to create meaningful employment for Custodian groups and qualified individuals.

To date, our process has followed a slow path of Indigenous guidance, community involvement, committed vision and realistic action.

A number of landholders, in our region have expressed their desire to enter Joint Title agreements.

This work has unfolded through many face-to-face talks with those key landholders, specific Custodians, or Indigenous leaders.

All those key landowners share a deep respect for land and its regeneration after the impact of settlement. This expression is evidenced through continuing care for country and identification with a balance between nature and culture.

On January1, 2002, Elders and Academics endorsed the project at a 'Greenhouse' presentation during the Woodford Folk Festival. It was recognised as, perhaps, Australia's most advanced suggestion for combining Indigenous knowledge and ecological technology. Representatives of both communities realised its potential to empower people and create a better life now, and a future for generations to come.

On January 17, 2002, the first Joint Title was witnessed, when a Wollumbin Custodian and a Mount Warning landowner shook hands to confirm their agreement.

Other settler Australians have entered into cultural access and/or management arrangements with Indigenous individuals or mobs. However, the issue of perpetuity limits many initiatives, and Westminster legislation fixes the expiry of Land Trusts at 150 years. While mutual respect and trust may exist between contemporary people, future relationships may not survive 'afterlife' aspirations, be those personal or enshrined in law.

Under the current political regime, the Australian government's intention to implement the next round of General Agreement on Trades and Services (GATS) is supported by both sides of mainstream politics. Potential implications include:
· World Heritage areas and National Parks commercially sponsored and/or managed, by arrangement between governments and the corporate sector
· Privatisation of Health, Education, Social Services, Water, and Energy supply.

Quite rightly, many people are concerned about the ramifications - the GATS can be seen as colonisation and cultural imperialism for the 21st century.

Considering those concerns, and the sabotage of 'Australian' Native Title by Prime Minister, John Howard, and the late senator, Brian Harradine, our worry is the unresolved issue of sacred sites on private land. At present, site report under the jurisdiction of National Parks, jeopardises Indigenous integrity.

It is intended that Joint Title will place protection of such sites outside the political forum, beyond government control, and in the hands of rightful caretakers.

How we achieve this duty of care has led our working group to consider the importance of:
· Consultation that can address contested aims or claims
· Socially responsible investment to ensure continuity.