Centuries of history recognised for the Gulngay

More than 40,000 years of history for the Gulngay people will be formally recognised in Tully today.

At a special hearing at the Tully Country Club in Tully today, the Federal Court will formally recognised the Gulngay People’s native title rights and interests over almost 37,000 hectares of land and waters between Japoon National Park and Girramay National Park.

Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said today’s decision acknowledged the Gulngay People’s history with their land and protected these rights for future generations.

“This milestone respects the importance of land and waters near Tully for the Gulngay Peoples,” Dr Lynham said.

“With this formal recognition it will further empower Gulngay People’s to practice and celebrate their culture – just like their ancestors before them.”

Traditional owner Clarence Kinjun said the determination formally recognised his people’s native title rights and their historical connection to their country.

“Having recognition over this land means Gulngay can properly manage their country in an environmental and sustainable way,” Mr Kinjun said.

“This determination is another step on our journey as we develop projects that will ensure sustainable land management and future employment for our people.

“These places are culturally significant to us as they hold our history, our names, our stories and our healing places, connecting us to to our land.

“We are connected both spiritually and physically to our land. Our country holds our past, our present and our future.”

This determination recognises exclusive native title rights and interests over almost 2000 hectares, and non-exclusive native title rights and interests over almost 35,000 hectares of land located in and around Tully, north to Japoon National Park and south to Girramay National Park.

[ENDS]

Media contact: Jan Martin 0439 341 314

EDS: Hearing is at 11am. Download a map of the area at the DNRME media centre.