MLA and KNAC launch collaborative innovation program in the Pilbara

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has partnered with Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (KNAC) to deliver a multi year Collaborative Co Innovation Program aimed at strengthening sustainable pastoral development, Indigenous employment and new market led opportunities across the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
 
The program brings together MLA and Karlka Pastoral, which manages the Nyiyaparli People’s pastoral interests across Ethel Creek, Marillana (BHP sublease) and Walagunya stations.
 
The partnership will co design and implement an innovation strategy that supports long term commercial performance while delivering social, cultural and environmental benefits.
 
Covering more than 830,000 hectares of Nyiyaparli Country and running approximately 10,000 head of cattle, Karlka Pastoral is a growing Indigenous led pastoral enterprise with a strong focus on economic self-determination, caring for Country and creating employment for Aboriginal people.
 
The co innovation program will help KNAC build innovation capability across its pastoral operations and explore new value chains aligned with these priorities.

MLA’s Project Manager for Innovation Capability, Joshua Whelan, said the partnership reflects the strength of Indigenous leadership in the pastoral sector.
 
“This partnership recognises the strength of Indigenous leadership in pastoral businesses and the opportunity to co design innovation that delivers commercial success while respecting culture and Country,” Mr Whelan said.
 
“Working together with Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC allows us to support pathways for Indigenous employment, sustainable land management and new value adding opportunities that can benefit the broader industry.”

A partnership built on innovation, culture and sustainability

• Over the life of the program, MLA and KNAC will work collaboratively across a range of focus areas, including:
• Training and employment pathways for Nyiyaparli and other local Aboriginal people, including engagement with schools and early career development;
• Regenerative land management and conservation, working alongside KNAC Rangers to support sustainable rangeland practices;
• Exploration of vertically integrated value chains, including branded beef opportunities that tell the story of Country, culture and community;
• Carbon management and emissions reduction, including development of baselines and pathways toward improved environmental performance; and
• Cultural and eco tourism opportunities linked to pastoral operations and Country.

The program will operate under a jointly managed governance framework with clear milestones, performance indicators and regular reviews.
 
Outcomes will be evaluated in line with MLA’s Triple Bottom Line framework to capture economic, environmental and social impacts.
 
KNAC CEO, Cate Ballantyne, said the partnership supports the long-term aspirations of the Nyiyaparli People.
 
“Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC is pleased to partner with MLA to support the aspirations of Nyiyaparli People to deliver pastoral industry employment pathways for our mob and to embed the land management and caring for country practices of Traditional Owners,” Ms Ballantyne said.
 
KNAC Chairperson, Michael Stream, said the agreement creates new opportunities for future generations.
 
“Many of us have grown up working on stations, and this partnership creates exciting opportunities for our kids to have those experiences, to build those skills, and to do it on our Country. We look forward to working with MLA to co design the next chapter of our pastoral business,” Mr Stream said. 

Delivering benefits beyond the farm gate

As well as supporting Karlka Pastoral’s growth, the collaboration is designed to generate insights for other Indigenous led and northern pastoral enterprises across Australia.
 
By testing new approaches to innovation capability, market development and sustainable land management in a real-world operating environment, the program aims to provide practical and scalable knowledge for the broader red meat industry.

About Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC

Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC is the Native Title body representing the Nyiyaparli People, Traditional Owners of approximately 36,684 square kilometres of land and waters in the East Pilbara region of Western Australia. Through Karlka Pastoral, the organisation manages a growing pastoral enterprise aligned with community, cultural and economic aspirations.