BarmahBarmah--Millewa, Natural & CulturalMillewa, Natural & Cultural

Heritage:Heritage: ‘‘Keeping it for the FutureKeeping it for the Future’’

Dr Wayne AtkinsonDr Wayne Atkinson

Senior Lecturer, Indigenous StudiesSenior Lecturer, Indigenous Studies

Department of Political ScienceDepartment of Political Science

University of MelbourneUniversity of Melbourne

Format of TalkFormat of Talk

Snapshot of Natural & Cultural ValuesSnapshot of Natural & Cultural ValuesUnique to BarmahUnique to Barmah--MillewaMillewa

Timeline & evidence of prior occupationTimeline & evidence of prior occupation

Yorta YortaYorta Yorta--BarmahBarmah--Millewa CampaignMillewa Campaignfor National Park, 2004for National Park, 2004

Key Factors in understanding IndigenousKey Factors in understanding Indigenous

Land RelationsLand Relations

Aboriginal culture in its proper time perspectiveAboriginal culture in its proper time perspective--past & present as one.past & present as one.

The concept of change adaption & continuityThe concept of change adaption & continuity-- ananevolving process familiar to all cultural groupsevolving process familiar to all cultural groups

The existence of an ongoingThe existence of an ongoing--living culture thatliving culture thathas survived & continues to maintain itshas survived & continues to maintain itsconnections with the ancestral landsconnections with the ancestral lands (Beattie,J. Other(Beattie,J. Other

Cultures: Aims, Methods & Achievements, 1964:241Cultures: Aims, Methods & Achievements, 1964:241--264).264).

BarmahBarmah--Millewa ForestMillewa Forest

BM is located withinBM is located within

a floodplain of thea floodplain of the

Murray RiverMurray River

(Dhungalla),(Dhungalla),

bounded bybounded by

Deniliquin, Echuca &Deniliquin, Echuca &

Tocumwal, in theTocumwal, in the

heart of Yorta Yortaheart of Yorta Yorta--

Bangerang countryBangerang country..

Yorta YortaYorta Yorta--Bangerang Occupation of BMBangerang Occupation of BM& Cultural Heritage& Cultural Heritage

BM is in the heartland of YortaBM is in the heartland of YortaYortaYorta--Bangerang NationBangerang Nation--Ancestral Land & WatersAncestral Land & Waters

Yorta YortaYorta Yorta--BangerangBangerangcommitted to conservingcommitted to conservingBarmahBarmah--Millewa which isMillewa which iskeeping place of their culturalkeeping place of their culturalhistory.history.

Joint Management of BarmahJoint Management of Barmah--Millewa will ensure continuityMillewa will ensure continuityof natural & cultural values.of natural & cultural values.

Natural FeaturesNatural Features

Forest straddles both sides ofForest straddles both sides ofMurray River between VictoriaMurray River between Victoria(Barmah) & New South Wales(Barmah) & New South Wales(Millewa).(Millewa).

Most of the 65,000 hectareMost of the 65,000 hectarearea is dominated by densearea is dominated by densestands of river red gumstands of river red gum(Eucalyptus camaldulensi(Eucalyptus camaldulensis),s),making it the largest river redmaking it the largest river redgum forest of its kind in thegum forest of its kind in theworld (Robinson 1998).world (Robinson 1998).

Includes significant patches ofIncludes significant patches ofspeciesspecies--rich box woodland,rich box woodland,

BarmahBarmah--Millewa: BiodiversityMillewa: Biodiversity

MoiraMoira--grass,grass,rushlands & naturalrushlands & naturalwetlandswetlands--riparianriparianzone vegetationzone vegetation

Natural habitat forNatural habitat forfish & birdlifefish & birdlife

Traditional foodTraditional foodplaces for Yortaplaces for YortaYortaYorta--BangerangBangeranggroups.groups.

BM: Habitat for Diversity of SpeciesBM: Habitat for Diversity of Species

Forest contain a diverse range of vegetation communities & animaForest contain a diverse range of vegetation communities & animallspecies.species.

A habitat for the majority of threatened species in northern VicA habitat for the majority of threatened species in northern Victoriatoria& southern New South Wales.& southern New South Wales.

Provides valuable natural benefits to agriculture, such as habitProvides valuable natural benefits to agriculture, such as habitat forat forinsect feeding birds & pollinating insects.insect feeding birds & pollinating insects.

Forest & wetlands assist in alleviating pressure on floodingForest & wetlands assist in alleviating pressure on floodingdownstream.downstream.

Forest is highly valued for recreation such as fishing, camping,Forest is highly valued for recreation such as fishing, camping, bushbushwalking & boating.walking & boating.

Use by so many people for cultural, natureUse by so many people for cultural, nature--based, & recreationalbased, & recreationalactivities has helped forest become an Australian icon.activities has helped forest become an Australian icon.

Ramsar Convention & China, Japan MigratoryRamsar Convention & China, Japan MigratoryBird AgreementBird Agreement (Ramsar comes under UNESCO which is a specialised agency of the(Ramsar comes under UNESCO which is a specialised agency of the UN SystemUN System

Barmah MoiraBarmah MoiraLakes, protectedLakes, protectedunder Ramsarunder RamsarConventionConvention ((The signing ofThe signing of

the Convention took place in 1971 in thethe Convention took place in 1971 in thesmall Iranian town of Ramsar (since then, itsmall Iranian town of Ramsar (since then, ithas taken the common name of the Ramsarhas taken the common name of the RamsarConvention).Convention).

China & JapanChina & JapanMigratory BirdsMigratory BirdsAgreement:Agreement: (CAMBA,1986(CAMBA,1986

& JAMBA,1974,)& JAMBA,1974,) Agreement onAgreement oninternational cooperation for theinternational cooperation for theconservation of migratory species &conservation of migratory species &for the protection of specific habitats.for the protection of specific habitats.Great Egret & WhiteGreat Egret & White--bellied Seabellied Sea--eagleeagle(two birds BM listed),(two birds BM listed),

Great Egret

White Breasted Sea Eagle

Ramsar Sites: BarmahRamsar Sites: Barmah--MillewaMillewa

Location of UNESCO in UN StructureLocation of UNESCO in UN Structure

BM Forest Replenishment Time, 1996BM Forest Replenishment Time, 1996

Last substantial Replenishment of Forestoccurred in 1996. Photos taken withgroup of Indigenous students from MelbUni during Cultural Camp at DharnyaCentre, 1996

Barmah Choke: Narrows SectionBarmah Choke: Narrows Section

Barmah Choke (Narrows)runs between Picnic Point& Barmah Lake. Allowswater to spread out over forest& give redgums drink. Riverred gum survival is dependanton regular & sustained drink

Indigenous OccupationIndigenous Occupation

Timeline & Evidence ofTimeline & Evidence ofIndigenous occupationIndigenous occupation

Timeline & Indigenous SurvivalTimeline & Indigenous Survival

Last two centuries (nonLast two centuries (non--IndigenousIndigenousoccupation) dominates the timelineoccupation) dominates the timelinein relation to the intensity of changein relation to the intensity of changethat Indigenous society has endured.that Indigenous society has endured.Adaption continuity & the survival ofAdaption continuity & the survival ofIndigenous culture is the outcomeIndigenous culture is the outcomethat is still to be fully recognised.that is still to be fully recognised.

Cultural Heritage Values: ScarredTrees

Stratigraphy(timeline) of Occupation SitesStratigraphy(timeline) of Occupation SitesMounds & MiddensMounds & Middens

Timeline of Occupation

Oldest

Recent

Mound Sites: Barmah State ParkMound Sites: Barmah State Park

Mound Mound

Lagoon& Natural Food Storage System, Barmah Forest

Traditional Fish Trap SystemTraditional Fish Trap System

Fish Trap System Midden

Yorta Yorta Site ProtectionYorta Yorta Site Protection

Traditional Stone Tool Working Site

Yorta Yorta Sites, on both sides ofYorta Yorta Sites, on both sides ofMurray River, 1999Murray River, 1999

Yorta Yorta Sites Recorded at 1999Yorta Yorta Sites Recorded at 1999( From: Management Plan for Yorta Yorta Heritage,( From: Management Plan for Yorta Yorta Heritage,

Yorta Yorta Nations Inc,1999:38Yorta Yorta Nations Inc,1999:38--4040))

Table 6. Summary of Recorded Sites in the Yorta Yorta Lands_____________________________________________________

NewSouth Wales Victoria TotalSite Type Count Count Count-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Scarred Tree 118 881 999Mound 141 212 353Open Scatter 14 79 93Middens 19 17 36Burial 20 24 44-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Totals 312 1213 1525_____________________________________________________

Indigenous Land ManagementIndigenous Land Management

A Holistic view of the relationshipA Holistic view of the relationshipbetween Naturalbetween Natural--Cultural Values &Cultural Values &

other living entities.other living entities.

Holistic View of Land Management & CareHolistic View of Land Management & Care

‘‘Yorta Yorta have a long tradition of caring forYorta Yorta have a long tradition of caring forforest. Theyforest. They ‘‘see the forest & all of itssee the forest & all of itsencompassing features (including all livingencompassing features (including all livingentities) from a holistic viewpoint. The forestentities) from a holistic viewpoint. The forestnurtured their ancestors & provided the meansnurtured their ancestors & provided the meansby which their survival & wellby which their survival & well--being wasbeing wasdependent. In turn, the Yortadependent. In turn, the Yorta YortaYorta lookedlookedafter the forest & nurtured it for the future.after the forest & nurtured it for the future.When these practices of land management &When these practices of land management &care are measured against more recent events,care are measured against more recent events,it is clear that they have an excellent trackit is clear that they have an excellent trackrecord that stands firm in its own rightrecord that stands firm in its own right’’ (Yorta(Yorta

Yorta Nations Inc, 1990).Yorta Nations Inc, 1990).

RiversRivers--Lakes & Indigenous OccupationLakes & Indigenous Occupation

The rivers, lakes & their surrounds were very productiveThe rivers, lakes & their surrounds were very productiveenvironmentsenvironments-- often equated withoften equated with ‘‘Smorgas Board theorySmorgas Board theory’’--variety, abundance & continuity of foods.variety, abundance & continuity of foods.

Provided fish, water birds, eggs, tortoises, shellfish, crayfishProvided fish, water birds, eggs, tortoises, shellfish, crayfish,,possum, kangaroo & a wide range of plant foods.possum, kangaroo & a wide range of plant foods.

Rivers creeks & network of water systems provided abundanceRivers creeks & network of water systems provided abundance& variety of other food sources.& variety of other food sources.

Relationship between land & water in Indigenous philosophy isRelationship between land & water in Indigenous philosophy ishighlighted in Yorta Yortahighlighted in Yorta Yorta--Bangerang occupation which wasBangerang occupation which waslargely water based.largely water based.

Most subsistence strategies were located, on in & around theMost subsistence strategies were located, on in & around thewater bodieswater bodies--fishing, collecting food resources, campsites &fishing, collecting food resources, campsites &middens reflect the nature & extent of past & presentmiddens reflect the nature & extent of past & presentoccupationoccupation

Land & Resource ManagementLand & Resource ManagementPracticesPractices

Yorta Yorta people constructed elaborate fish trapYorta Yorta people constructed elaborate fish trapsystems to store food & organised their lifestyle aroundsystems to store food & organised their lifestyle aroundthe water resources that were replenished annually.the water resources that were replenished annually.

Storage & accessibility reduced time & energy requiredStorage & accessibility reduced time & energy requiredfor food collection.for food collection.

Provided more leisure time for other cultural activities &Provided more leisure time for other cultural activities &a good example of degree of affluence being enjoyeda good example of degree of affluence being enjoyedprepre--Invasion.Invasion.

Intelligent & sophisticated strategies based onIntelligent & sophisticated strategies based onmanipulating environment to produce returns, withoutmanipulating environment to produce returns, withouttrying to harness & bring under control as in importedtrying to harness & bring under control as in importedwestern land water management practices.western land water management practices.

Indigenous Land Use & Fire: Exposing theIndigenous Land Use & Fire: Exposing theMythsMyths

There is a mistaken belief that Indigenous Australians didThere is a mistaken belief that Indigenous Australians didnotnot ‘‘useuse’’ the land, as they did not cultivate the land inthe land, as they did not cultivate the land inaccordance with European perceptions of land usage.accordance with European perceptions of land usage.

Indigenous people used a system of land managementIndigenous people used a system of land managementwhich involved seasonal movement within their lands and awhich involved seasonal movement within their lands and apractice known as 'firepractice known as 'fire--stick farmingstick farming‘‘.. Edmund Curr noted the use ofEdmund Curr noted the use ofthethe ‘‘firefire--stickstick’’ as a food production & land management practice in the Barmahas a food production & land management practice in the Barmah--Millewa area in 1841 when he saidMillewa area in 1841 when he said ‘‘LiLiving principally on wild roots & animalsving principally on wild roots & animals’’ hehe[Aborigines][Aborigines] ‘‘tilled his land & cultivated his pastures with fire, the frequentilled his land & cultivated his pastures with fire, the frequency of whichcy of whichhe estimated washe estimated was ‘‘ once in every five yearsonce in every five years’’ (Curr,1965:88).(Curr,1965:88).

Dates of vegetation cores samples taken from Lake GeorgeDates of vegetation cores samples taken from Lake George(near Canberra) indicate that the use of fire by Indigenous(near Canberra) indicate that the use of fire by Indigenouspeople for those purposes mentioned was happeningpeople for those purposes mentioned was happening120,00O years ago (Singh, 1981:45120,00O years ago (Singh, 1981:45––6).6).

Larger raging bush fires today are attributed to absence ofLarger raging bush fires today are attributed to absence ofcontrolled burning, & understory buildup which is nowcontrolled burning, & understory buildup which is nowbeing managed bybeing managed by ‘‘Fuel Reduction BurningFuel Reduction Burning’’..

Use of Fire in Other National ParksUse of Fire in Other National Parks

Traditional burning is still being used in Kakadu National ParkTraditional burning is still being used in Kakadu National Park(Northern Territory), Gariwerd (Grampians), & Beechworth(Northern Territory), Gariwerd (Grampians), & BeechworthNational Park, Victoria (pers com with Indigenous Rangers, ParksNational Park, Victoria (pers com with Indigenous Rangers, ParksVictoria, 1998)Victoria, 1998)

The reintroduction of controlled burning as a land managementThe reintroduction of controlled burning as a land managementstrategy is one of the rights being asserted by the Yorta Yortastrategy is one of the rights being asserted by the Yorta Yorta

(Yorta Yorta Land Management Policy,1995(Yorta Yorta Land Management Policy,1995))

Use of fireUse of fireas Landas LandManagementManagementStrategyStrategy --Kakadu,Kakadu,19891989

Adaption & ContinuityAdaption & Continuity

For thousands of years IndigenousFor thousands of years Indigenouscommunities adapted as the land changed,communities adapted as the land changed,experienced the same ice ages, & thaws.experienced the same ice ages, & thaws.

Yet over millennia the land providedYet over millennia the land providedsustenance & continuity for Indigenoussustenance & continuity for IndigenousAustralians.Australians.

As Paul Gordon explains,As Paul Gordon explains, ‘‘people saypeople sayAboriginal people never farmed the land... WeAboriginal people never farmed the land... Wenever had to. Our mother, the earth, she gavenever had to. Our mother, the earth, she gavefreely to usfreely to us’’

Cultural Heritage ValuesCultural Heritage Values

Evidence of 60,000 years IndigenousEvidence of 60,000 years Indigenousoccupation.occupation.

Cultural sites & local histories.Cultural sites & local histories.

Natural features: Forests, Rivers, LakesNatural features: Forests, Rivers, Lakes& Wildlife of International Significance& Wildlife of International Significance--BarmahBarmah--Millewa Forest.Millewa Forest.

Natural & Cultural Assets & theirNatural & Cultural Assets & theirpotential for socialpotential for social--economic returnseconomic returnsstill to be developed.still to be developed.

BM Dependency on WaterBM Dependency on Water

Introduced changes to water & replenishment ofIntroduced changes to water & replenishment ofBarmahBarmah--Millewa Forest & WetlandsMillewa Forest & Wetlands

Murray Darling Basin CommissionMurray Darling Basin Commission

““When the Hume Dam came intoWhen the Hume Dam came intooperation in 1936, flooding patterns withinoperation in 1936, flooding patterns withinthe forest were changed. These changesthe forest were changed. These changesresulted in an inappropriate wateringresulted in an inappropriate wateringregime for the forest, with unseasonal &regime for the forest, with unseasonal &unnatural wetting & drying having markedunnatural wetting & drying having markedeffects on plant & animal communities,..effects on plant & animal communities,..””

Changed Replenishment RegimesChanged Replenishment Regimes

Because of the way the Murray River & itsBecause of the way the Murray River & itstributaries are regulated for irrigation purposes,tributaries are regulated for irrigation purposes,essential replenishment flows for Barmahessential replenishment flows for Barmah--Millewa as icon sites have significantly changed.Millewa as icon sites have significantly changed.

Are now fewer large winter/spring floods & moreAre now fewer large winter/spring floods & moresmall summer floodssmall summer floods--if any?if any?

This means that large parts of the forest areThis means that large parts of the forest aresuffering longsuffering long--term drought while other areasterm drought while other areasare waterlogged. This degrades the forest &are waterlogged. This degrades the forest &changes the vegetationchanges the vegetation--see confirmation of these effectssee confirmation of these effectsin MDBC, Report, 2004.in MDBC, Report, 2004.

Effects ofEffects ofchangedchangedReplenishmentReplenishmentflows on Nationalflows on National& International& Internationalsignificance ofsignificance ofBarmahBarmah--MillewaMillewa(Age, 17 Nov,2004).(Age, 17 Nov,2004).

MDBC Survey Findings, 2004MDBC Survey Findings, 2004

More than 75 per cent of red gumMore than 75 per cent of red gumand black box trees beside theand black box trees beside theMurray River fromMurray River from GunbowerGunbower totoMannumMannum were stressed, dead orwere stressed, dead ordying.dying.

This compared to about 51 per centThis compared to about 51 per centtwo years agotwo years ago ((RiverineRiverine Herald, 22 November 2004).Herald, 22 November 2004).

Grazing IssuesGrazing Issues

Cattle have been implicated in the spread of noxious, woody &Cattle have been implicated in the spread of noxious, woody &environmental weeds, severely restricting reenvironmental weeds, severely restricting re--establishment ofestablishment ofthreatened species & increasing nutrient loads to rivers thatthreatened species & increasing nutrient loads to rivers thatare already struggling with increased pressures fromare already struggling with increased pressures fromagricultural development.agricultural development.

Many river frontages & associated wetland areas are grazedMany river frontages & associated wetland areas are grazedby domestic stock resulting in loss of bank stability &by domestic stock resulting in loss of bank stability &increased pollution of water by animal waste & sediments.increased pollution of water by animal waste & sediments.

Internationally protected Ramsar wetlands are beingInternationally protected Ramsar wetlands are beingcontinually degraded through ongoing stock access. Cattlecontinually degraded through ongoing stock access. Cattlealso compete for limited feed with native animals in the forestalso compete for limited feed with native animals in the forestareas.areas.

Feral horses & pigs are also a problem, especially in theFeral horses & pigs are also a problem, especially in theBarmah State Park & State forestBarmah State Park & State forest (For other issues concerning(For other issues concerning woodloggingwoodlogging

andand activitesactivites that are incompatible with the preservation ofthat are incompatible with the preservation of Natural&CulturalNatural&Cultural values see YYvalues see YYManagement Plan, 1999).Management Plan, 1999).

Yorta Yorta ConnectionsYorta Yorta Connections

To be buried in your own land in Yorta YortaTo be buried in your own land in Yorta Yortabelief is to be at home, so that your eternalbelief is to be at home, so that your eternalspirit is free to reunite with your people.spirit is free to reunite with your people.

To be denied this right is to be cut off fromTo be denied this right is to be cut off fromyour culture, & community, not just from youryour culture, & community, not just from yourland.land.

The right to maintain spiritual interests, to beThe right to maintain spiritual interests, to beburied in your land & to protect your heritage,buried in your land & to protect your heritage,are fundamental rights that continue to beare fundamental rights that continue to beasserted by the Yorta Yorta Nation (Yortaasserted by the Yorta Yorta Nation (YortaYorta Native Title Claim,1994Yorta Native Title Claim,1994--2002).2002).

Cultural Continuity: Art, Music & DanceCultural Continuity: Art, Music & Dance

Lyne Onus: Jimmy’s Billabong

Wally Cooper & Sony Cooper: Yorta Yorta Dance Group

Lou Bennet & TiddasJimmy Little

Maloga: 1874-88

Cummeragunja: 1889-PresentAboriginal Leaders 1930s

Lynch Cooper World Champion, 1930s

CummeraCummera & Maloga Heritage& Maloga Heritage

Local Indigenous Organisations: RumbalaraLocal Indigenous Organisations: RumbalaraAboriginal CoopAboriginal Coop (Uni Melb, Oncountry Learning Course Visit, 2004)(Uni Melb, Oncountry Learning Course Visit, 2004)

Yorta Yorta v State of Victoria &Yorta Yorta v State of Victoria &Ors, Trial (1996Ors, Trial (1996--1998)1998)

Barriers to achieving land justice under Anglo legal systemBarriers to achieving land justice under Anglo legal system& way Mabo principles are being applied by the Courts,& way Mabo principles are being applied by the Courts,perverted the course of justice in the Yorta Yorta case.perverted the course of justice in the Yorta Yorta case.Back to base camp politicsBack to base camp politics -- see, YY Agreement & BM Campaign.see, YY Agreement & BM Campaign.

The Underlying Currents of the Tide of History ?The Underlying Currents of the Tide of History ?

Yorta Yorta Struggle ContinuesYorta Yorta Struggle Continues

Involves no direct management of countryInvolves no direct management of country

Limited to advisory roleLimited to advisory role

Can be dissolved by a future state GovtCan be dissolved by a future state Govt

Attempt to score some points for shamefulAttempt to score some points for shamefultrack record of land justice?track record of land justice?

Yorta Yorta AgreemantYorta Yorta Agreemant

BarmahBarmah--Millewa CampaignMillewa Campaign((PeoplePeople’’s movement political strategy)s movement political strategy)

The Barmah/Millewa Campaign requiresThe Barmah/Millewa Campaign requiressupport from people interested in preservingsupport from people interested in preservingBarmah/Millewa Forests as a national parkBarmah/Millewa Forests as a national parkfor the enjoyment of future generations.for the enjoyment of future generations.

Recognises Yorta Yorta as the traditionalRecognises Yorta Yorta as the traditionalowners under a joint managementowners under a joint managementarrangement.arrangement.

Vision for Future Management & CareVision for Future Management & Careof Forestof Forest

With appropriate joint managementWith appropriate joint managementstructures that include Indigenousstructures that include Indigenousinterests, the BM Forests can provide ainterests, the BM Forests can provide anatural habitat for a significant number ofnatural habitat for a significant number ofthreatened species, as well as attractingthreatened species, as well as attractinglarge numbers of visitors to enjoy itslarge numbers of visitors to enjoy itsnatural & cultural featuresnatural & cultural features (Victorian National(Victorian National

Parks Association,2003).Parks Association,2003).

Why a National Park?Why a National Park? NPsNPs recognisedrecognised nationally & Internationally as mostnationally & Internationally as most

effective way of maintaining natural & cultural values.effective way of maintaining natural & cultural values.

They receive substantial funding & have a high priority inThey receive substantial funding & have a high priority inthe management & care of reserved crown lands.the management & care of reserved crown lands.

Compared to its current status as a Forest, the BM NationalCompared to its current status as a Forest, the BM NationalPark would receive four times the current funding for landPark would receive four times the current funding for landmanagement including pest, animal & plant controlmanagement including pest, animal & plant control

BM would be first NP in Victoria to be jointly managed byBM would be first NP in Victoria to be jointly managed byIndigenous owners, a concept that is working very well inIndigenous owners, a concept that is working very well inother parts ofother parts of AusraliaAusralia -- see Kakadu,see Kakadu, UluruUluru,, MutawidnjiMutawidnji,,Lake Mungo, Jarvis Bay (VNPA, BarmahLake Mungo, Jarvis Bay (VNPA, Barmah--Millewa)Millewa)

Slide 8 of 13

Slide 9 of 13

State Budget for TourismState Budget for Tourism--20032003--2004: $40.6 Million2004: $40.6 Million

http://www.tourismvictoria.com.au/images/assets/All_PDFs/annual_http://www.tourismvictoria.com.au/images/assets/All_PDFs/annual_reportreport_2003.pdf_2003.pdf

In the 2003In the 2003––2004 State Budget the Government announced a $40.62004 State Budget the Government announced a $40.6million boost for the Victorian tourism industry. Package comprimillion boost for the Victorian tourism industry. Package comprised.sed.

$10 million over four years for international marketing,$10 million over four years for international marketing,

$10 million over four years to fund regional marketing campaigns$10 million over four years to fund regional marketing campaigns,,

$15 million over three years to maximise return on existing majo$15 million over three years to maximise return on existing majorrevents and to secure new events,events and to secure new events,

$2million over four years through the Living Regions, Living Sub$2million over four years through the Living Regions, Living Suburbsurbsprogram to support regional tourism events, andprogram to support regional tourism events, and

$3.6 million over two years to stage the Australian Tourism Exch$3.6 million over two years to stage the Australian Tourism Exchangeangein 2003 and 2004.in 2003 and 2004.

$7million for a marketing strategy to maximise the tourism benef$7million for a marketing strategy to maximise the tourism benefitsitsassociated with the 2006 Commonwealth Games.associated with the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

International Markets, 2002International Markets, 2002

Numbers of Tourist Visitors, Victoria, 2003Numbers of Tourist Visitors, Victoria, 2003International:International:

Of the 4.4 million international tourists who visited AustraliaOf the 4.4 million international tourists who visited Australia in the year ending Marchin the year ending March2003, Victoria attracted 1.2 million . Victoria receives 27.7 p2003, Victoria attracted 1.2 million . Victoria receives 27.7 per cent market share of aller cent market share of allinternational visitors.international visitors.

Domestic:Domestic:

Victoria attracted 5 million interstate visitors for the year enVictoria attracted 5 million interstate visitors for the year ending March 2003, giving theding March 2003, giving thestate a 22.7 per cent market share of all interstate visitors.state a 22.7 per cent market share of all interstate visitors.

Regional Victoria:Regional Victoria:

Regional Victoria receives substantive share of the 27.7 percentRegional Victoria receives substantive share of the 27.7 percent of Australiaof Australia’’s tourists touristeconomy. Takings from Victoriaeconomy. Takings from Victoria’’s hotels, motels and serviced apartments totalled $866.9s hotels, motels and serviced apartments totalled $866.9million for the year 2002.million for the year 2002.

Victorian accommodation establishments employed 21,208 people,Victorian accommodation establishments employed 21,208 people, not to mention othernot to mention otherbenefits that flow to the hospitality industries, food, drink enbenefits that flow to the hospitality industries, food, drink entertainment etc,tertainment etc,

Regions most visited:Regions most visited:Goldfields and Murray GoulburnGoldfields and Murray Goulburn Waters enjoy significant portion of the touristWaters enjoy significant portion of the touristdollar which has become mainstay of regional economies.dollar which has become mainstay of regional economies.

Indigenous share of the tourist dollar?Indigenous share of the tourist dollar?

http://www.tourismvictoria.com.au/images/assets/All_PDFs/annual_http://www.tourismvictoria.com.au/images/assets/All_PDFs/annual_report_2003.pdfreport_2003.pdf

PATHWAYS FOR FUTUREPATHWAYS FOR FUTURE

A negotiatedA negotiated settlement betweensettlement between

government & other parties, whichgovernment & other parties, whichrecognises the Yorta Yorta as therecognises the Yorta Yorta as thetraditional owners.traditional owners.

Current Agreement goes part the wayCurrent Agreement goes part the way

Needs to be complimented by BarmahNeeds to be complimented by Barmah--Millewa political campaignMillewa political campaign

Land Claims ProcessLand Claims Process BracksBracks’’ Government introduce land claims process.Government introduce land claims process.

Could introduce land rights legislation like that whichCould introduce land rights legislation like that whichwas unsuccessful in the 1980s (Lib/Nat Partieswas unsuccessful in the 1980s (Lib/Nat Partiescontrolled Upper House)controlled Upper House)

Expressions of regret by his predecessors, John Cain &Expressions of regret by his predecessors, John Cain &Joan Kirner come back to revisit Bracks who hasJoan Kirner come back to revisit Bracks who hasnumbers in both houses.numbers in both houses.

Victorian government could return Barmah Forest to itsVictorian government could return Barmah Forest to itstraditional owners under a joint managementtraditional owners under a joint managementarrangement similar to those in other parts of Australia.arrangement similar to those in other parts of Australia.

Likewise the New South Wales labor government couldLikewise the New South Wales labor government coulddo the same for the Millewa Forest as they did atdo the same for the Millewa Forest as they did atMutawinji.Mutawinji.

International OptionsInternational OptionsUN is an important mechanism that can be used to keep theUN is an important mechanism that can be used to keep theissue on the burner. To expose Australiaissue on the burner. To expose Australia’’s treatment of itss treatment of its

Indigenous people to other Indigenous peoples & Nation StatesIndigenous people to other Indigenous peoples & Nation States..

Pursue matter through UN Human Rights mechanismsPursue matter through UN Human Rights mechanisms––HRC,HRC,ICCPR, & WGIP.ICCPR, & WGIP.

Could invite another Nation State to take up our case at the ICJCould invite another Nation State to take up our case at the ICJ..

Obstacles to getting a hearing at the International Court ofObstacles to getting a hearing at the International Court ofJustice is that only states are able to present cases.Justice is that only states are able to present cases.

Would be necessary to find a sympathetic state with resourcesWould be necessary to find a sympathetic state with resources& commitment that would not be victimized by other nation& commitment that would not be victimized by other nationstates including Australia?states including Australia?

Future Directions: RecommendationsFuture Directions: Recommendations

Give Joint Management structure a goGive Joint Management structure a go

Run BarmahRun Barmah--Millewa Campaign forMillewa Campaign forNational Park parallel with Yorta YortaNational Park parallel with Yorta YortaAspirations.Aspirations.

Pursue goal of National Park & cementPursue goal of National Park & cementYorta Yorta occupation & control throughYorta Yorta occupation & control throughlegislation under Joint Managementlegislation under Joint Managementstructurestructure (see Models of Structures for Joint Management of NP(see Models of Structures for Joint Management of NP’’s in currents in current

BM Campaign research, 2004)BM Campaign research, 2004)