Newman’s indigenous priority role
DOMINIC GEIGER sive land hand backs across Cape York in recent years, including this week’s transfer of 160,730ha to the Wuthathi, Kuuku Ya’u and Northern Kaanju people.
“Partnerships is a big thing of mine and working with traditional owners in North Queensland ... is something we need to continue to do,” Mr Newman said.
“There is a lot to be gained for land management by directly engaging with the traditional owners.
“It’s about doing it with the traditional owners – not going to them and saying ‘hey, what do you reckon’ – but actually working with them and identifying good products.”
One place earmarked for its potential as a tourist destination is the massive wetland system near Aurukun, which is bigger than that at Kakadu.
The town’s mayor, Dereck Walpo, said an influx of visitors to the town would help improve the local economy and show outsiders there was a positive side to the occasionally troubled community.
“Aurukun is a beautiful place,” he said. “Where I see the council’s role is sitting down with the traditional owners, talking about how we can scope this jointly, with tourists coming into town and then being taken out onto country.
“They come in, and pay to stay in Aurukun, they hire out tinnies and they go with the traditional owners, who play a vital role in tourism.” editorial@