Media release

From: Charles Darwin University

A project in Katherine with a vision to create a North Australian Hub for Native Bushfoods and Botanicals will be a taking a closer look at how to better support, recognise and protect First Nations knowledge and intellectual property.

The Bushfoods, Botanicals & Community Precinct at the Charles Darwin University (CDU) Katherine Rural Campus (KRC) will not only explore and test agricultural practices for native plants and create a safe space for training programs in the field, but it will ensure traditional knowledge will be preserved and recognised to protect intellectual property rights of First Nations people.

CDU Associate Vice-Chancellor Big Rivers Region Alison Brook said the initial concept for the Precinct hoped to lead the way in capacity building in the native plants industries.

“The focus of the partnership group will be too deeply engaged and consult with community and First Nations groups to deliver a precinct plan that supports industry, community and regional needs and aspirations” Mrs Brook said.

The project will explore leveraging current infrastructure and facilities at KRC as well as purpose built indoor and outdoor teaching spaces, native landscaping and botanical plantings around teaching areas, trial growing plots and more.

CDU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Community Connections Professor Steve Rogers said CDU KRC was well placed for this project given its background in agriculture and current expansion agri-business research.

“CDU already has programs that support Traditional Owners to document native plants usage and traditional growing techniques, this hub would allow for further testing and documentation for traditional bush food and botanical production methods while preserving cultural methods and significance,” Professor Rogers said.

The hub is one step closer after the announcement of $2.5 million funding for the Big Rivers Region Bush Foods, Botanicals & Community Precinct, from the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program.

The project will be jointly led by CDU and First Nations partner organisations who will begin to conduct community and industry consultations to inform and guide design works including how to protect Indigenous intellectual property and deliver a shovel ready project for Stream 2 of the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program.

CDU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Scott Bowman said the funding not only supports the local campus’s activities but the whole region.

“This Precinct will be representing key activities across the region and CDU including agriculture, First Nations Knowledge, education, training and research with a goal of providing further economic development opportunities and progression of regional goals,” Professor Bowman said.

“CDU is committed to providing economic growth in the regions and by prioristing education and Indigenous knowledge this Precinct will provide additional opportunities for the people who call this region home.”

CDU KRC has received $5 million in Commonwealth funding over the last two years to support education, training and research in the region, including a recently commenced project for a Trades Training Centre.