Complementary modern and traditional conservation approaches will help ensure the long-term protection of this diverse environment.

One of Queensland’s longest-running and most historic land disputes has been resolved, with the lands and islands surrounding iconic Shelburne Bay finally returned to the Traditional Owners.

Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Curtis Pitt delivered the Shelburne title deeds to the Wuthathi Aboriginal Corporation at a ceremony in Lockhart River today.

“Today, after several decades of successive state governments working together with Traditional Owner groups and others, approximately 118,132 hectares of land has been returned to its rightful owners – the Wuthathi people,” Mr Pitt said.

“This is a time for celebration, recognition and joy among surviving Traditional Owners who for decades have rallied for the return of their lands.

“This land, rich in culture and tradition, is the lifeblood of the Wuthathi people with story places, middens and ceremonial sites dotted all across this breathtaking landscape.

“The Wuthathi people will once again take custodianship of the area enjoyed and respected by their ancestors, so they too can use, preserve and pass on their lands, culture and knowledge through the generations.

“A chapter is closing and another opening for these Traditional Owners to explore economic and sustainable enterprise with confidence, whether it be passing on knowledge to their people or sharing their culture with the world.

“This is a defining moment in Queensland’s history, culture and conservation — there are few other places like this in Australia.”

The remote scenic area of Shelburne Bay is located on the north-east coast of Cape York Peninsula, north-west of Cape Grenville and approximately 800km by road north of Cairns.

National Parks Minister Dr Steven Miles said the milestone agreement would help protect Shelburne’s significant cultural, ecological and historical values.

“Shelburne Bay’s stunning white sand dunes, perched lakes and diverse habitats, fringed by Great Barrier Reef waters, are once again recognised at law as the Wuthathi peoples’ land — just as it was the land of their ancestors,” Dr Miles said.

Source

Joint Media Statement
Treasurer, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Minister for Sport
The Honourable Curtis Pitt

Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection and Minister for National Parks and the Great Barrier Reef
The Honourable Steven Miles

Thursday, December 15, 2016