Warning signs of discontent in fiery beach dispute

Signs warning residents and tourists away from native title land near a popular beach are being considered as a way to resolve a fiery dispute that has divided a sleepy central Queensland town.

Federal Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney has revealed in a letter obtained by News Corp that the signs are being considered and would also outline “how best to access the beach” at Burrum Heads. While Ms Burney is urging all parties to engage respectfully and find a way to “meet the needs of all stakeholders”, Federal MP Keith Pitt has warned it may not be enough to satisfy everyone as he fights for a way to be found for the beach “to be used by all Australians”.

Federal Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney is urging all parties to engage respectfully and find a way “meet the needs of all stakeholders”.

Correspondence from the Minister, obtained by News Corp, reveals one of the main options being considered.

The Butchulla people were granted almost 100,000ha of native title land on the Fraser Coast in December 2019, including 17,000ha of which is exclusive use.

One small section of this exclusive-use section stretches along a foreshore in front of Burrum Heads residents’ homes and includes a car park which was previously used by people to access the beach.

Ms Burney, responding to a letter from Mr Pitt, said the exclusive native title ruling meant traditional owners had the right to control access to the land in a similar way to freehold land owners.

But she said she wanted all parties to engage respectfully to find practical solutions, noting the Butchulla Native Title Corporation, council and state government were currently working on appropriate beach access for the Burrum Heads community “that also respects the Butchulla people’s rights and interests”.

“This solution may include new signage to inform the local community and visitors about the exclusive areas and how best to access the beach,” Ms Burney wrote.