Native Title Party Capacity Building Program

The Department has signed funding agreements with native title parties across the state to improve their ability to provide heritage services and respond to the engagement, consultation and service delivery needs of industry and government. This includes improving the capacity of native title parties to participate in statutory and related processes under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972.

Following the high number of successful applications to the 2024 round of the Capacity Building Program, the Department conducted a second round of applications. The application period closed 11 July 2025.

26 native title parties successfully applied for funding under the 2025 round. The Department is now working with all 26 native title parties to finalise agreements.

The Capacity Building Program is being used by recipients to hire staff, undertake training, and develop systems to better manage heritage and engage with proponents.

77 native title parties are being funded through the Capacity Building Program. Funding recipients can review their grant and submit reporting through the Department’s SmartyGrants portal.

For questions regarding reporting, please contact your Regional Director or contact CBprogram@dplh.wa.gov.au.