Tour claim falls short
RE: Wujal mayor calls for change after death at sacred site waterfall (CP, 4/10).
As the partner of the “elder up there currently doing tours and camping” I am disappointed with Cr Tayley’s comments which are unfounded and based on the assumption that our guided tours are conducted at the Meg Falls, which is false.
Our privately run tours are conducted elsewhere as we respect the cultural and spiritual significance of the Meg Falls site. There is a large sign at the carpark which clearly states the area at the top of the falls is dangerous and deaths have occurred. It also states that the site is a woman’s sacred area and for visitors to show their respect by not accessing the bottom of the falls or to cross over to the other side of the river.
The Meg Falls site was handed back to Kuku Yalanji in 2011 on the condition that it remains accessible to visitors and is therefore included in the ILUA’s (Indigenous Land Usage Agreements).The Burungu Aboriginal Corporation, as the leaseholder, is the land management authority for a large area on the CREB Track including the Meg Falls site and with minimal resources has, since 2011, maintained the area as best as it can, including the installation of signage, fences and gates.
Cr Tayley has also shown disrespect to those living on the Burungu lease and an apology, from Cr Tayley, would be appreciated. Helen Limbrick, Ayton