These guidelines provide an overview of the considerations for engaging Aboriginal communities, knowledge holders and Aboriginal-led organisations when preparing coastal management programs (CMPs). The information and guidance are intended to support coastal councils and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy the Environment and Water to engage First Nations people through approaches that are culturally safe, respectful and reciprocal.

It is not the intention of these guidelines to provide a step-by-step guide or duplicate existing literature and guidance material. The purpose of the guidelines is to promote the importance of specific engagement considerations, to facilitate culturally safe and equitable engagement opportunities for First Nations people’s involvement in coastal management.

Coastal councils may be guided by their own requirements for engaging First Nations people and this information is supplementary to those requirements.