LANDMARK AGREEMENT TO PROTECT INDIGENOUS FISH TRAP SITE

Ancient indigenous fish traps on the Bulloo River in south western Queensland will be protected through a milestone cultural heritage agreement between local traditional owners and pastoralists.

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace visited Piastre Station, 80km south west of Quilpie, today (Sun) to officiate at the signing of the agreement between station landholders, Jack and William Tully, and the Mardigan People, traditional owners of the land.

“Archaeological evidence at the site suggests the inland fish traps on Piastre Station were occupied between 200 and 5000 years ago,” Mr Wallace said.

“A degraded sand dune discovered close to the fish traps also shows evidence of extended occupation of the area by Aboriginal people.”

“And there are numerous artefacts that required protection along with the fish traps.

“A search of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage database shows the Piastre fish traps are one of just 20 recorded inland fish trap sites.

“That makes this site one of tremendous cultural heritage significance which will now be protected for future generations of Queenslanders,” he said.

Mr Wallace said the agreement between the Tully family and the Mardigan People, represented by Owen Murphy, triggers a cultural heritage management plan for the site.

“This plan will guarantee access for traditional owners to the site, formalise how the 20 hectare site will be managed in the future, and ensure ongoing protection of the cultural heritage on the site.

“I anticipate the experience involved in progressing this agreement may become a template for other similar efforts to protect Queensland’s unique cultural heritage.

“In particular, I want to thank the Mardigan people who have agreed to share the cultural wealth of this site with the wider community.

“I also pay tribute to the Tully Family who recognised the significance of the site and actively looked for a process to hand this parcel of land back to the traditional owners.”

Mr Wallace said South West NRM and the Department of Natural Resources and Water were heavily involved in helping to devise the management plan for the Piastre site.

“The Commonwealth also provided funds through South West NRM for strategically-placed alternative water sources so that stock was diverted away from this section of Manu Manu Creek.

“This is an example of governments working with community groups to protect our cultural heritage for future generations.

“It demonstrates the benefits of good relationships between Aboriginal traditional owners and landholders.

“It also highlights how the management and protection of indigenous cultural heritage can be a shared responsibility,” he said.

Media contact: Paul Lynch 3896 3689/ 0408 577621