An island in Sydney Harbour is a step closer to being transferred back to traditional owners.
Some $43 million has been committed to restore Me-Mel, also known as Goat Island, after the NSW government inked a memorandum of understanding with a transfer committee.
The group is made up of representatives from local Aboriginal communities, the NSW Government and various departments.
They'll explore how the island can be used for cultural, tourism and public use.
A research project will also be launched to identify the island's Aboriginal owners and a strategic business case developed for the site.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said the island offered a unique opportunity for tourism and economic development.
"It being owned by Aboriginal peoples is a wonderful expression of the next step in reconciliation in New South Wales and in Australia," Mr Minns told reporters on Saturday.
Members of the public, local Aboriginal communities and other stakeholders will be able to provide feedback during consultation.
Me-Mel Transfer Committee member Nathan Moran said it had been a decade-long process to get the agreement signed.
"We hope that through this process we can get back this beautiful cultural space to enjoy a place where we can share our culture, practice our culture and enjoy this place once more," Mr Moran said.
The island is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register and many important Aboriginal, historical and natural values are located on the site, including structures dating back to the 1830s.
It has also been used to host concerts and festivals.
