MORE of Cape York could be protected under a World Heritage listing, after four local Aboriginal corporations shared in funding to take the first steps.
The $200,000 state government funding will be used to undertake cultural heritage assessments at Palmerville and on Muunthi country, assess Balnggarrawarra country for National Heritage listing and increase the footprint of the National Heritage listing nomination on Binthi land.
Binthi Land Holding Group Aboriginal Corporation spokesperson Ramona McIvor said the funding was a boost towards better protection of their land.
“It will inspire other Traditional Owners to get involved in protecting and caring for their Country, not just in Queensland, but throughout Australia,” she said.
“I would like to see Cape York’s natural and cultural values and Indigenous Heritage receive stronger protection, which National or World Heritage listing can do.
“The Cape York region is important to First Nations people, and its preservation is what our ancestors wanted, and what elders and current generations are working towards.
“We want to share our stories to give everyone an understanding of traditional management techniques and our history and connection to these areas.
“Attaining National Heritage or World Heritage listing will strengthen heritage protections and management practices of the outstanding values on our country, and the recognition will put us on the map.
“Our Binthi motto is ‘Binthi Warra Bamaa-ngay, Bubu Thana-ngan-ngu, Dabarrgu Ngarra-thinhu, Magu-badaaygu – Forever Protecting and Respecting the Sacredness of our Land’.”
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui backed the grants.
“Cape York supports rich flora and fauna, including species endemic to the region, and it is culturally important to our Traditional Owners, who have had a strong connection to Country spanning tens of thousands of years,” she said.
