Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation has welcomed Premier Roger Cook’s transfer of West Intercourse Island to the Dampier Archipelago island reserves network, for future joint management by MAC and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, following a successful application for World Heritage Listing of the Murujuga Cultural Landscape.
West Intercourse Island, located in the south-west of the Archipelago, covers about 2,300 hectares including inlets, beaches, mangroves, marshes and rocky hills and valleys.
It has hundreds of recorded rock art engravings and other extensive evidence of human occupation accumulated over many thousands of years.
Comments attributable to MAC Chair Peter Hicks:
“This transfer continues to support the Aboriginal people in this area and will help with application for World Heritage Listing,” Mr Hicks said.
“West Intercourse Island is a significant location to our people and has a lot of heritage from thousands of years of our people living there.
Comments attributable to MAC Assistant Ranger Services Manager, and Mardudhunera member of the Murujuga Circle of Elders, Peter Cooper:
“This island was a meeting place for different language groups to gather and share food.
“It’s a very important place because it’s our history of how our people survived that long.”
Comments attributable to MAC CEO Kim Wood:
“MAC Members, who comprise more than 1,200 Traditional Owners and Custodians for Murujuga, will welcome this transfer.
“West Intercourse Island is a highly significant location in the Murujuga Cultural Landscape, both for its size and its exceptional cultural and heritage values.
“For the Ngarda-Ngarli who have strived for years to have their ongoing governance and care for Country placed at the heart of decision making and management of Murujuga, this is an important step forward.”
Media organisations seeking relevant images and video, and more information, are invited to contact: communications@murujuga.org.au.