Traditional Owners Unite in Call for Action on Red Gums
Thursday, 14th August 2008
Three Murray River Traditional Owner nations today called upon Premier Brumby to stop delaying and implement historic proposals for Victoria’s first Indigenous joint management agreements over national parks.
The proposals are part of a recently released report into River Red Gum forests by the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC), which recommended 100,000 ha of new national parks, with key areas to be “jointly managed” with Traditional Owners. But rather than implementing the recommendations the government announced a new panel to review the recommendations on Thursday last week.
The Yorta Yorta, Barapa Barapa and the Wadi Wadi peoples believe the recommendations would improve the protection of natural and cultural values in the internationally significant Barmah, Gunbower and Nyah forests.
“This proposal hasn’t just fallen in the government’s lap – they commissioned it and then promised voters at the last election they would implement its recommendations,” said Neville Atkinson, Yorta Yorta chairperson.
Mr Atkinson said his people feel strongly that a jointly managed Barmah National Park is essential to address the declining health of Dhungalla (the River Murray) and protect Yorta Yorta cultural heritage.
“A jointly managed national park would allow our people to protect their identity in the landscape and uphold ancestral obligations to respect our own Lore, customs and beliefs,” said Mr Atkinson.
“The VEAC recommendations are a social justice package to Indigenous people. Premier Brumby has the chance to make an act of tangible reconciliation by adopting them,” he said.
Barapa Barapa Chairperson Wayne Webster endorsed the joint management recommendations but called on Premier Brumby to protect the entire of Gunbower Forest.
“Under these proposals, a majority of Gunbower Island is still subject to logging and mismanagement, leaving us unable to properly care for our traditional country,” said Mr Webster.
“It’s only common sense, we need to protect these areas because they are dying. After three years of investigation it’s time for the Premier to lay down his cards.”
According the Doug Nichols from the Wadi Wadi peoples full implementation of the recommendations would have many benefits.
“This decision is good for all communities around Nyah Forest and not only protects the Wadi Wadis’ cultural heritage and future but it could benefit all local people”.
He added “that this decision is vindication for the grass roots campaign started by the Friends of Nyah and the Wadi Wadi peoples and shows that Nyah Forest is an important place.”
“A jointly managed Nyah park will finally give everyone a seat at the table to discuss their issues with the forest.”
The VEAC recommendations lay the foundation for improved working partnerships but the Traditional Owners urge the Government to engage meaningfully with them to fully deliver the VEAC recommendations.
For comment: Neville Atkinson 0419 502 272, Wayne Webster 0439 373 252, Doug Nichols 08 8767 7289
