Aboriginal elders defend Cape York

By Lynda Hansen BRISBANE — The Wilderness Society (TWS) hosted a group of Aboriginal elders from Cape York in West End on February 11. Sixty people were entertained by Mbakeh Darboe, a master drummer from Gambia, Nakamura Matsouri band, Chris Anderson, Connie Andrews and Matt Healy. A slide show of Cape York gave an impression of the diversity of the area. Albert Lakefield, a traditional owner of Lakefield National Park, Goombra Jacko from Munburra, Paddy Bassini from Umpila and Hans McGreen from Hopetown have just completed a 10-day tour of south-east Queensland to promote Aboriginal land justice, environmental protection and reconciliation on the Cape York peninsula. Jenie Bell, a representative from the Jagera community, conveyed support to the Cape York visitors and reminded those present that the Jagera people are still struggling with their land claim. The community has lodged an application with the Brisbane City Council for an area of Musgrave Park to build a Murri cultural centre. Greg Sargent from Cairns TWS spoke about the regional agreement signed on February 5 by the Australian Conservation Foundation, TWS, the Cape York Land Council, Cattlemen's Union and the peninsula branch of ATSIC. The document outlines a framework for land use on Cape York, including the development of an ecologically sustainable cattle industry, protection of World Heritage values and resolution of native title issues by negotiation rather than litigation. The agreement also urges the federal government to establish an acquisition fund to purchase land with high natural and cultural values. Sargent explained, "Cape York holds 20% of Australia's rainforest, 60% of the butterflies, 60% of the fresh water fish, half of the bird species, and 85 rare and endangered animal species in Australia's largest intact wilderness". The parties to the agreement also aim to raise money to buy culturally and ecologically important areas, and ensure their ongoing protection by returning them to the traditional Aboriginal custodians.