Maruku Arts workshop in the park. Photo: Tourism Australia

Maṟuku Arts workshop in the park. Photo: Tourism Australia

Ever since Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park was handed back to its Traditional Owners in 1985, the park has been jointly managed by Aṉangu and the Australian Government.

Aṉangu work with Parks Australia (a part of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water) to manage and care for the national park.

All management policies and programs aim to:

  • maintain Aṉangu Culture and heritage
  • conserve and protect the integrity of the ecological systems in and around the park
  • provide for visitor enjoyment and learning opportunities in the park.

Tjukurpa – Aṉangu traditional law, knowledge and religious philosophy – guides everything that happens in the park, just as it has for tens of thousands of years. This includes using traditional methods to conserve the park’s plants, animals, Culture and landscapes.

Board of management

A board of management makes major policy and management decisions for Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park.

The board is made up of 12 people:

  • eight Aboriginal members nominated by Traditional Owners
  • one member nominated by the federal minister responsible for tourism and approved by Aṉangu
  • one member nominated by the federal minister responsible for the environment and approved by Aṉangu
  • one member nominated by the Northern Territory Government and approved by Aṉangu
  • the Director of National Parks.

Parks Australia is responsible for implementing board decisions and handling the day-to-day management of the park.

Want to know more?

You can find out more about joint management on the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water website.