The Department of Environment and Science has announced that more than 79,000 hectares of the Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park have been handed back to the Waanyi People.
The handback, formalised at a ceremony at Parliament House, is the first step of a staged approach that will result in the full transfer of the entire Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park to the Waanyi People.
In a statement, the Department said the Waanyi Prescribed Body Corporate would lease the Aboriginal land in perpetuity to the State to manage under the Nature Conservation Act. It is the first lease-back arrangement that has been successfully negotiated on national park land in Queensland.
The area handed back includes the southern section of Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park, the Lawn Hill Gorge area and the Riversleigh World Heritage site, part of the Australian Fossil Mammal sites.
Minister for the Environment and Science, Leanne Linard said the handover was a significant step on the State’s Path to Treaty, which supported First Nations people’s rights to self-determination and a more respectful shared future.
“The Waanyi People have lived in the area for thousands of years and have developed a rich, strong connection to the land. Boodjamulla always was and always will be Waanyi land,” Ms Linard said.
“This historic land hand-back is a testament to the courage, determination and commitment of the Waanyi People who have worked hard to see the rightful return of their country.”
She said the QPWS was pleased to continue its relationship working alongside the Waanyi People to jointly manage the national park in a way that would protect the key natural and cultural features of Boodjamulla, whilst also providing visitors with a memorable experience.
More information on the national park can be obtained from this PS News link.
