Indigenous values and involvement
Forest transfer lands throughout south-east Queensland and the Wet Tropics hold great significance for Traditional Owners. This is not only in their role as a remnant of natural landscapes, but also because they hold and protect Aboriginal heritage values and sites. Aboriginal peoples retain a strong sense of connection to and responsibility for these areas, and have ongoing interest and aspirations for involvement in their management. Aboriginal peoples have a strong sense of cultural obligation and continuing custodial responsibilities, including the obligation to ensure that their culture is preserved and maintained for future generations.
Active partnerships between Indigenous groups and QPWS have been integral to the recognition, ongoing protection and maintenance of the cultural heritage values and sites of Indigenous peoples. These partnerships recognise both the physical and non-physical aspects of these values. They have far reaching benefits. They allow QPWS to better understand the custodial responsibilities of Indigenous peoples and to enhance park management though cultural knowledge.
Within south-east Queensland a number of Aboriginal groups have developed 'Aspirations Documents', which reflect some of their issues, concerns and desires, including the improvement of their involvement in protected area management.
Last updated: 05 June 2006