Darumbal Traditional Owners today celebrated the official launch of a community-based plan for managing their Sea Country in a joint agreement with the Australian and Queensland governments.
The launch of the Darumbal's Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreement (TUMRA), held in Yeppoon, provides for the management of traditional resources and was jointly accredited by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority) and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) in November 2021 for 15 years.
Darumbal TUMRA Project Manager Malachi Johnson said he's delighted to see the TUMRA come to fruition.
"The TUMRA recognises Traditional Lore, customs, cultural authority and boundaries over sea country estate.
"It also allows for collaborative partnerships and mutual supports, and complements Darumbal's land and Sea Country management aspirations, increasing the care and protection of the Great Barrier Reef.
"The Darumbal people ask visitors to our Sea Country to please respect the area's special natural and cultural values," Mr Johnson said.
The Darumbal TUMRA covers 36,606 km2 of sea extending from Broad Sound to Fitzroy River. Its southern boundary adjoins the Port Curtis Coral Coast TUMRA and excludes the Woppaburra TUMRA area.
It takes in all lands and islands, important tourism sites and several Marine National Park and Conservation Park zones within that area. It is the largest of all TUMRAs.
Darumbal Traditional Owners hold exclusive and non-exclusive native title for some coastal lands and islands within their Sea Country estate under the 2016 Darumbal People native title determination.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority continues to progress a strong partnership with Darumbal Traditional Owners through the planning, development, accreditation and now implementation of their TUMRA.
Reef Authority Chairman Dr Ian Poiner said the launch is a significant milestone for Marine Park Sea Country management.
"We stand with the Reef's Traditional Owner custodians and help to maintain the incredible richness of the Reef's environment, culture and heritage.
"I would like to specifically thank, the Darumbal TUMRA Working Group and the Darumbal People Aboriginal Corporation for their dedication and hard work to engage and consult with Darumbal people and Elders in developing this TUMRA."
Background:
In 2020, the Authority entered into an agreement with Darumbal People Aboriginal Corporation Registered Native Title Body Corporate (RNTBC) to develop a TUMRA. In late July 2021, on behalf of the Darumbal Traditional Custodians, the Darumbal TUMRA Steering Committee and Darumbal People Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC submitted their TUMRA development application for accreditation.
