The recent article by travel magazine Wanderlust that named the Bay of Fires as one of the world's most threatened tourist sites confirms the need to return the land to Aboriginal control immediately.
"The area is of very high significance to Aboriginal people, with burial grounds and cultural artefacts all throughout the area. Aboriginal cultural sites are now being destroyed because of the amount of tourists, not consciously, but because there is little awareness or signage as to what is culturally significant in the area. Returning the land to Aboriginal control will ensure that these sites are protected and there will be a higher awareness of why the area is so important to Aboriginal people,” said Melanie Barnes, Socialist Alliance candidate for Denison.
The Bay of Fires was announced one of the world's "hottest" destinations in 2009 by Lonely Planet, resulting in a surge of tourist numbers.
"If Premier Bartlett turns the area into a national park he would be turning his back on a promise to give the land back. Certainly the area should be protected from unsuitable development, and the Aboriginal community are best placed to manage the risks associated with increased tourism. The presumption that governments are better managers of the land than Aboriginal people hasn’t been borne out in practice, as shown by the environmental destruction occurring across Australia,” said Jenny Franklin, Socialist Alliance candidate for Franklin
The Socialist Alliance campaigns for full Land Rights and compensation for land taken, and recognises the existence of Indigenous self-governance and the right of Indigenous peoples to self-determination.
Media Interviews:
Melanie Barnes: 0423 978 518
Jenny Forward: 0400 701 902
