Forum charts path towards World Heritage recognition for Quandamooka Country ahead of Brisbane 2032
PROGRESSING a World Heritage listing for Quandamooka Country was a key focus of the inaugural Quandamooka Tourism Forum held on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) on Monday.
Titled Gudjundabu Marumba Gubiyiyanya (Tourism Toward a Glad Tomorrow), the event was hosted by the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) at its newly opened QUAMPI Arts and Culture Centre at Gumpi (Dunwich).
The forum brought together key government, industry and business representatives – including SeaLink, the Redlands Coast Museum, the Straddie Chamber of Commerce, Arts Queensland, DETSI, NIAA, The University of Queensland (UQ), and Redland City Council – to collaborate on a more sustainable tourism future for Quandamooka Country.
QYAC Chair Cameron Costello said the forum marked an important milestone in the organisation’s long-term goal of gaining World Heritage recognition for Quandamooka’s rich cultural and natural landscapes.
“Looking at World Heritage listing for our protected area estate has been on our strategic agenda for a number of years and was endorsed by our members in our strategic plan,” Mr Costello said.
“That’s over the existing protected areas like our national parks and marine parks, which are quite substantial across Quandamooka Country. It would be very exciting as a legacy project for the 2032 Games.”
Mr Costello said QYAC had already developed the first draft of its nomination report and provided it to stakeholders.
“You’ve got to put in a nomination, so we’ve engaged specialists in the area to progress that,” he said.
“Part of that process also includes applying for National Heritage listing, which we’ve done as well.”
He said the next step was to build broad community and government support to strengthen the case at national level before it is considered internationally.
“What we’re seeking now is the support from the community and other stakeholders to help us progress that up to national level,” he said.
“We believe we’ve got the ingredients – the natural and cultural values that meet the standards – so that’s what we’ll be putting forward to the Australian Government to then go to the United Nations.”
Mr Costello said World Heritage status would not only recognise Quandamooka Country’s cultural and environmental significance but also bring tangible benefits.
“World Heritage listing has a number of benefits and opportunities,” he said.
“One is it attracts further funding opportunities and resourcing towards conservation values – and we’re always seeking that for our beautiful Quandamooka-Moreton Bay area to ensure it’s looked after for future generations.
“There are also opportunities for economic development through tourism and other sectors that World Heritage status brings to the community.”
He said the listing process was a long-term goal, likely taking several years.
“It’s a long, slow-burn process – it’s got to go through national and then international committees,” he said.
“That’s why we’re saying that by 2032, we’d love to have it as an Olympic legacy outcome.”
Mr Costello said the forum also showcased how collaboration between government, business and Traditional Owners could drive sustainable tourism.
“It was good to have that discussion to inform them about QYAC’s vision for the future and how we can collaborate and partner on wonderful things like the Cultural and EcoTourism Centre and our Economic Festival,” he said.
