Antinuclear

This announcement follows the persistent public outcry over the past few years over exploration leases being granted in the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary and, in particular, Mt Gee. Despite a shift in state political agencies towards a more sympathetic view of conservation concerns, all political parties remain hesitant in acknowledging the cultural significance of this region for the traditional owners.

The Government, however, remains silent on its responsibility in implementing the requirements of the Aboriginal Heritage Act, despite ministers clearly recognising  the environmental uniqueness of the region from a Western conservation perspective.

The Flinders Ranges purple-spotted gudgeon, the spidery wattle and the yellow-footed rock-wallaby are hailed as significant features of “unique biodiversity” (SA Government news release, 22/7/11).

“The traditional owners”, however, are not even named in this news release.

The cultural significance to the Adnyamathanha community apparently is unknown or simply unimportant to our politicians.

As one elder responded: “It seems the protection was meant for the Varru (fish), Irta (birds), Wirti (plants) and Andu (wallaby); animals and plants get first protection, not the Yuras (First Australians).”

The handful of Adnyamathanha traditional owners who have campaigned independently to protect Mt Gee are worthy of high praise for their efforts.

As always, they are willing to share their knowledge and concerns, in the hope the resting place of Virdnimuranha (Spiritual Creator) is properly protected.

Those who have fought long and hard to protect Mt Gee still must be wondering: Is the Government finally willing to engage meaningfully with the indigenous custodians of the land? Or will this protection regimen be yet another “white wash” that will devalue our sacred sites and silence our voices?

The traditional owner group, known as the Yura Language Consultative Group, is disappointed the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs has failed to investigate its requests for a ministerial determination over the Beverley Four Mile and Mt Gee area as being culturally significant and intimately connected, despite a legal obligation to do so under the SA Aboriginal Heritage Act.

As one member of the Adnyamathanha community, Sharon Maegher, says: “While this is a wonderful win and, of course, there are campaigners who should be thanked, I find it reprehensible that the efforts of Gilbert Coulthard, Vera Austin, Enice Marsh and Rene Mahommed go unrecognised”.

In February of this year these elders proclaimed the area as significant because it was “a resting place of gods”. They were concerned that their and their fathers’ wishes were being ignored by mining companies and the Government.

The ideological shift from eurocentric land use and Western understandings of conservation to inclusive and culturally respectful property rights and a sustainable land use framework has yet to happen in Australia.

— Dr Jillian Marsh is a researcher and member of the Adnyamathanha community. http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/opinion/marsh-cultural-significance-snubbed/story-e6freai3-1226221235838