Hail Creek Mine recognises traditional landowners

A Central Queensland mining company has recognised the region’s traditional indigenous landowners by giving one of its draglines an Aboriginal name.

Minister for Natural Resources Craig Wallace said Rio Tinto Coal Australia officially named the Wiri Bimbi dragline on site at its Hail Creek Mine near Mackay.

Mr Wallace said the Wiri people, the traditional owners of the land at the mine, were invited to celebrate the occasion with a traditional ceremony and indigenous dances.

“Wiri Bimbi translates to Wiri, the landowners’ name, and Bimbi, which represents the notion of good – a promising symbol in the traditional owners’ new relationship with Hail Creek,” Mr Wallace said.

Guests at the naming ceremony were all impressed after a tour of the massive piece of mining equipment, he said.

A Rio Tinto Coal Australia spokesperson said the naming of the new dragline was a reminder to Hail Creek employees and contractors of their relationship with the Wiri people and confirmed the importance of Aboriginal relations within the business.

Rockhampton-based Department of Natural Resources and Water (NRW) Central West Region acting regional cultural heritage coordinator Greg Heath attended the ceremony.

Mr Heath said he was impressed with the progress in this region between mining companies and indigenous groups.

“There is now a lot of this happening between indigenous groups and mining companies scattered through the BowenBasin area,” Mr Heath said.

“Mining companies are recognising traditional owners and getting their input into projects.

“There are more and more cultural heritage projects being put together through cooperation.”

High resolution photographs of the dragline available on request.

Media contact: NRW Central West Region media and communications officer Rachael McDonald at (07) 4938 4373 or at rachael.mcdonald@nrw.qld.gov.au

Minister’s office: Paul Childs, Craig Wallace’s office, on 0407 692 654.