Conservation groups have today welcomed the Queensland Government's continued investment in joint management of national parks on Cape York Peninsula and highlighted the importance of the $14.8 million funding for joint management in achieving state and national targets.

Australia is home to the oldest continuous culture on Earth. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been caring for Country for millennia. First Nations people are the first scientists and leaders in nature restoration, land management and climate solutions.

We stand together as leaders representing a movement of over two million Australians whose commitment to a healthy climate and thriving environment is rooted in the shared values of justice, equality and fairness.

The 2023 Queensland budget, released this week, has been an opportunity for the state to put its money where its mouth is when it comes to protecting our climate, communities and nature for future generations.

Overall this budget is extremely positive for the state. With record investment in long-term infrastructure for renewable energy projects, immediate cost-of-living relief on energy bills for all households, and funding to increase national parks and prevent land clearing, there are many things to celebrate.

Much of this has been funded by a modest increase in royalties on the superprofits of Queensland coal companies, meaning those who contributed most to the climate and cost of living crisis are finally helping pay for the renewable energy solutions.

The Queensland Conservation Council, today welcomed the handback of the Jardine River and Denham Group National Parks as well as part of Jardine River and Heathlands Departmental and Special Purpose Reserves to the Gudang/Yadhaykenu, Atambaya and Angkamuthi (Seven Rivers) people. 

This significant event will see a total of 362,000 hectares of land returned to First Nations ownership. Under the hand back arrangements, the land will be granted to the Ipima Ikaya Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC and the Atambaya Aboriginal Corporation on behalf of the Traditional Owners. They will take back ownership of the newly renamed Apudthama National Park  which will be jointly managed with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. 

“Queensland Conservation Council strongly welcomes this handback. Returning these parks to the traditional owners is the best way to protect the area’s natural and cultural values,'' said the Queensland Conservation Council’s Director, Dave Copeman. 

“This handback and the Premier’s personal participation marks the significance of this handback to all Queenslanders. We acknowledge the government’s continued leadership in the growth and support of First Nations’ management of our protected area estate” 

“First Nations peoples hold unique knowledge and rights inherited from their ancestors and have cared for the Cape since time immemorial. We welcome the transfer of significant parts of the resource reserve to the new National Park, expanding the total National Parks area in Queensland.  

Since 1995, the Cape York land tenure resolution process has returned 4.3 million hectares of land to Aboriginal ownership. 

For more information: 

Dave Copeman - Director - Queensland Conservation Council - [email protected] 

0408 841 595

QCC’s Deputy Chair Sherie Bruce, a proud Arrernte woman of Mparntwe (Alice
Springs) shares the importance of this year’s NAIDOC Week theme, ‘Heal Country’.

NAIDOC Week occurs annually each July, where the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are celebrated by Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. This year, NAIDOC Week runs from July 4 to July 11.

The theme for 2021 is Heal Country; which encourages embracing First Nations peoples cultural understanding and knowledge of Country as part of their personal identity and Australia's national heritage. 

The English word ‘Country’ is a belief system that goes far beyond the Western definition. For Australian First Nations ‘Country’ means our family, kin, law, ceremony, traditions, language, nature, and land are all interconnected. Country includes landforms, air, plants, waters, knowledge, and special places. Every community in each Nation has custodial responsibilities to care for their Country and is central to our spirituality and identity. 

Healing is a change, a change in each person and our nation. Beginning with recognition of other cultures different to yours, recognition of Australia’s past history. The Healing continues with accepting that past and walking together with Australia’s First Nations.

Healing Country means embracing First Nation’s cultural knowledge and understanding of Country as part of Australia’s national heritage.

Please take the time to learn more about Australia’s First Nations and support them in protecting and Healing Country.

https://www.protectcountrynt.org.au/
https://www.seedmob.org.au/ban_fracking