Business on Country: Land use diversification on the Indigenous estate

Project locations: Darwin, Cairns, Broome

Project partners: North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance Limited (NAILSMA) ; Darwin Centre for Bushfire Research, Charles Darwin University ; Northern Land Council ; The Nature Conservancy Australia Trust

Project summary and impacts

The Business on Country project developed a new framework for Indigenous-led economic development across northern Australia. Led by the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA) with support from CRCNA and project partners, the project recognised that while Indigenous people hold rights and interests across a significant proportion of northern Australia, many Traditional Owner groups have lacked access to the information, planning support and investment pathways needed to translate land ownership into long-term economic opportunity.

The project examined the condition, opportunities and constraints of the Indigenous estate and worked with Indigenous landowners to identify development options that could strengthen livelihoods while protecting cultural values and responsibilities to Country. It developed the Business on Country Diversification Strategy, a practical framework for Indigenous-led land use planning, enterprise development and investment attraction. The strategy emphasises Traditional Owner leadership, strong governance, cultural mapping, evidence-based decision-making and genuine partnerships with government and industry.

Through pilot activities in northern Australia, the project tested approaches to Indigenous land use planning and prospectus development, helping communities assess opportunities across sectors such as tourism, land management, carbon and environmental services, horticulture, pastoralism, bush products and other emerging enterprises. The project also produced foundational resources, including the State of the Indigenous Estate report and the Business on Country Diversification Strategy, which continue to inform Indigenous economic development initiatives and investment planning across northern Australia.

The project helped establish a stronger evidence base for Indigenous-led development, demonstrating how economic opportunities can be pursued in ways that support healthy Country, cultural continuity and long-term community wellbeing.