Burdekin Region Water Quality Science Forum, 2024
Reef Assist, Cultural Fire projects
Eddie Smallwood, Karen Vidler
Eddie – Ranger Coordinator, Gudjuda Reference Group,
Karen – Partnerships Coordinator, NQ Dry Tropics
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IN BRIEF:
The Traditional Owners from the Bindal and Birriah peoples in the Collinsville area have been in a longstanding partnership with NQ Dry Tropics for more than 20 years. This partnership allows 16 traditional owner groups in the Burdekin Dry Tropics area to share knowledge and culture through the Traditional Owner Management Group (TOMG). The TOMG provides advice and supports networking opportunities for the traditional owners, helping them unite and support one another in negotiations.
Led by Eddie Smallwood and the Gudjuda Reference Group, Traditional Owners are actively engaged in various land and water management activities in the region, including marine research, caring for country, rural fire brigade operations, and cultural burning programs with local graziers.
They are also involved in consultations around major infrastructure projects like the raising of the Burdekin Dam. The Traditional Owners emphasise the need for genuine partnerships and adequate time and resources to engage effectively with the many stakeholders involved in natural resource management.