Scheme to map areas of important indigenous culture It is hoped a major project beginning in western Queensland will lead to future job and industry development in areas of indigenous significance by
cutting red tape.

The plan will see the town common areas that make up large sections of 11 western shires thoroughly searched, and areas of indigenous cultural significance mapped.

Area Consultative Committee chairman Kym Mobbs says once the areas have been identified, the councils and traditional owners can develop a set of protocols governing their management.

"It's about actually having a protocol in place so that the local authorities are able to say to those industries, or it may be people moving to the area, this is an area that is a no go because it's a sacred site, this is an area that's okay but there may be an area that is
negotiable."

The move has received the endorsement of local indigenous groups, who say such an approach is long overdue.

The president of the Winton District Aboriginal Corporation, Dan Long, says the first meeting between stakeholders has paved the way for a new approach to how culturally important areas are managed.

"The issues should have been addressed a long time ago with the indigenous people, but now...the councils [are]...making indigenous groups well aware what the future holds for them in the west," he said.

"Instead of just all packing up and heading for the coast, groups will stay in their own environment."