- Author CRCNA and research partners
- Publish date 1 July 2026
- Type Report
- Documents
- First Nations led business development
Summary
This impact evaluation summarises the outcomes of CRCNA projects: AT.4.2021117 – Activating the Indigenous Estate: Baseline study of agricultural capacity; and AT.4.1718111 – Business on Country: Land use diversification on the Indigenous estate.
Projects
Activating the Indigenous estate – Baseline study of agricultural capacity
This project examined the unrealised agricultural potential of the Indigenous estate across Australia. It aligned with national policy agendas and closely examined agricultural development in northern Australia. The research assessed opportunities to adjust policy settings to unlock the value and potential of the Indigenous estate and agricultural economy. Key enablers identified include: Providing better access to information. Building the capability of Traditional Owners. Addressing bias and information asymmetries with financial institutions and investors. Support agreement-making processes. These measures could enable increased investment and productivity across Indigenous lands and waters. Led by The Australian National University (ANU), the project conducted a Situational Analysis to benefit First Nations communities and agricultural stakeholders. It assessed the national economic impacts – including GDP, gross value of production, industry value-add, and employment – of increasing the productivity and profitability of Indigenous land and waters across primary production sectors such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, as well as emerging markets for carbon and biodiversity credits. The baseline study sets the foundation for further engagement with First Nations communities to unlock the agricultural production potential of the Indigenous estate. The Situational Analysis involved desktop research using existing data to: Map the bio-cultural assets of the Indigenous estate (e.g. land use, tenure, water). Establish a baseline of the nature, size, and value of primary production within the Indigenous agricultural economy. Identify infrastructure and resource gaps using a System of Environment-Economic Accounting to support cost-benefit analysis for investment. Apply GIS-based Multi-Criteria Evaluation to generate scenario-based outputs weighted by priorities (e.g. water access, productivity, tenure, conservation). Develop a range of land use scenarios (low, medium, high conversion over 10 and 20 years), presented via an interactive dashboard. Prepare case studies of current regional agricultural investments on the Indigenous estate. The key output from the research was a peer-reviewed published report and summary, which is now used to inform a broad range of stakeholders on public policy and future research interests. The research outcomes have influenced a variety of policy and program areas across government, industry, and First Nations communities. Key impacts include: First Nations communities and organisations now have access to information that supports greater understanding and strategic planning around the productivity and profitability of primary production using their lands and waters. The findings have informed the strategic objectives of CRCNA in relation to activating the Indigenous estate in northern Australia. The research has also supported the strategic objectives of the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) for activating the Indigenous estate across Australia. The project contributes to national policy agendas, including the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, Northern Australian Development, and the National Water Initiative. It responds to and informs, the five pillars of the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) 2030 Agricultural Roadmap, particularly the inclusion and activation of the Indigenous estate. The research facilitates and strengthens partnerships between First Nations organisations, the ILSC and the NFF to support agricultural development of Indigenous lands. It provides a platform for new research and encourages First Nations community interest in activating their land for agricultural purposes.
Business on Country: Land use diversification on the Indigenous estate
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.