Protest over sacred springs
Bravus is working to resolve situation
PROTESTERS say they will continue a cultural ceremony at the Carmichael Mine in the Galilee Basin until Bravus stops work at the site.
Despite requests from Bravus for them to leave, Wangan and Jagalingou spokesman Coedie Mcavoy says they will continue the stop work protest to protect “the sacred Doongmabulla springs”.
“We’ve come to a crucial point in our fight against the mine,” he said.
In a show of support, about 50-100 people were also planning to gather with signs, flags, and banners in the colours of the Wangan and Jagalingou flag at Parliament House in Brisbane.
Bravus, formerly known as Adani, says the “unauthorised camp” has been set up since Thursday afternoon and the company is working to resolve the situation.
A spokeswoman said the group had been asked to move off the mining lease to the pastoral lease where it was “both legal and safer and where they have previously practised cultural activities”.
“Safety always comes first for Bravus and as such we have asked the people in the unauthorised camp to remove themselves from the Carmichael mining lease immediately,” she said.
“In addition we have also notified the relevant authorities in accordance with our legal and safety requirements.
“Ultimately we need to keep everyone safe, including our workforce and also these people who are on the mining lease without the appropriate authorisation.”
The spokeswoman said the company had a deep respect for the traditions and customs of its traditional owners, particularly the Clermont and Belyando People of the Wangan and Jagalingou region.
“Importantly, Adrian Burragubba, his son Coedie MCAvoy and their minority faction do not represent the majority of native title claimants for the Clermont and Belyando People of the Wangan and Jagalingou region and they are not authorised representatives of the majority of Native Title claimants,” she said.
“Mr Burragubba and his supporters are not above the law and are not entitled to special treatment ahead of the authorised Native Title representatives for the Wangan and Jagalingou People.
“In line with our commitment to traditional owners, they are welcome to access the pastoral lease area to conduct traditional activities.
“However due to obvious safety issues this does not extend to the mining lease or the Carmichael mine. Like any other mine operator, we have a responsibility to be aware of who is on our property, that they are kept safe, and accessing or traversing our property in a planned and orderly manner, especially considering there are mining and construction activities currently being undertaken onsite.”
Mr Mcavoy said the protesters believed the mine works were draining the water table and impacting the Doongmabulla Springs.
“If they keep going we will lose these ancient and unique spring systems,” he said.
“The ceremony is for our ancestor spirits that are out there and need to be called in from that pit area.
“This is also a talking circle for connecting and treatying with other tribes in the area.
“The experts are saying the springs are dying, and we have to stop it.”