Ownership of Boodjamulla National Park handed back to Waanyi Traditional Owners

The landmark official ceremony was held on 23 June 2023 handing back the Boodjamulla National Park to its Traditional Owners, the Waanyi People.

The Queensland Government and Waanyi PBC (Prescribed Body Corporate) have entered into an Indigenous land use agreement that recognises the native title rights of the Waanyi People and future interests over the land.

Said Alec Doomadgee (Chairman of Waanyi PBC) “Waanyi People, together, can benefit from our Land in a positive way. We are looking forward to a brighter future and creating socio-economic opportunities for our people our way, working respectfully and cooperatively with the Queensland Government. In partnership with QPWS, Waanyi People look forward to building on the awareness of Boodjamulla and enhancing visitor knowledge and experience on Waanyi Country”.

The ceremony at Parliament House, Brisbane was officiated by Leanne Linard MP (State Minister for the Environment and Great Barrier Reef, Minister for Science and Minister for Multicultural Affairs), who said “The handover is a significant step towards the Queensland Government’s Path to Treaty which supports First Nations people’s rights to self-determination and a more respectful shared future”.