The Mithaka Cultural Landscape in far southwest Queensland has been added to Australia's National Heritage List.
This area is significant to the Mithaka People, the Traditional Owners and custodians of the region.
Mithaka is rich in both tangible and intangible cultural values. Mithaka contains many cultural features including:
- sandstone and silcrete quarries
- hearths
- standing gunyahs (houses)
- stone arrangements
- scar trees.
These features show how people have lived on Mithaka Country for thousands of years. The Mithaka People have dreaming stories that originate from deep within Mithaka Country. Together, they form a rich cultural landscape. Mithaka offers valuable insights into the social, economic and spiritual life of the Mithaka People.
The Australian Heritage Council (AHC) found that the area meets threshold for 7 of the 9 National Heritage criteria. This listing recognises Mithaka's outstanding cultural heritage value to Australia.
The AHC conducted a detailed assessment process with Mithaka Traditional Owners to ensure the assessment of values was reflective of their views and beliefs. Broad public consultation was also an important part of this process.
