First Nations Outcomes in Regional Plans

Strategic Policy & Evaluation
Project overview
This project evaluated how First Nations outcomes are integrated and operationalised within NSW regional planning. Using a structured Evaluation Framework and thematic Key Indicators, the work assessed cultural capability, policy alignment, and implementation effectiveness across regional plans. The evaluation considered both the intent of regional plans and how they are being delivered in practice, providing a clearer understanding of where outcomes are being achieved and where gaps remain.

Our approach
Our approach combined policy review, plan analysis and implementation assessment to build a comprehensive view of how First Nations outcomes are embedded across regional planning.

This included:
Reviewing relevant State and Federal policy frameworks
Developing a structured evaluation framework and metrics
Assessing regional plans against consistent indicators
Reviewing how plans are being implemented in practice

The work was designed to move beyond high-level policy intent, focusing on how outcomes are translated into delivery.

Cultural approach
Cultural capability was a central focus of the evaluation. The work considered how First Nations knowledge, priorities and perspectives are reflected within planning frameworks, governance structures and implementation processes. This included identifying where cultural considerations are meaningfully embedded, as well as where they are limited or inconsistently applied.

Collaboration
The project was delivered in collaboration with the client and project team, with a focus on maintaining strong relationships and open communication throughout delivery. This supported a shared understanding of both opportunities and constraints within regional planning, ensuring findings were grounded in practice as well as policy.

Outcome
The project identified both areas of progress — particularly in governance, Aboriginal land development and cultural heritage — and persistent gaps in accountability and systemic integration. The final report provides practical tools and recommendations to strengthen cultural capability, improve transparency, and support regional plans to deliver more consistent and measurable outcomes for First Nations communities.