Email to Commonwealth
Env. Minister David Kemp
18 March '04
Advising him that the University
of the Sunshine Coast supports
the Queensland government in leading the western world in racism.
Dalungbara Aboriginal People
Learn together, Live together
18 - 03 - '04
In care of MS 194 Range View Dr
Gatton 4343
To the Hon. Dr David Kemp MP
Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Heritage
Dear Minister Kemp
Update on racism in Queensland
The University of the Sunshine Coast supports the Queensland
government
in leading the western world in rasicm:
Under the directions of Professor Paul Clark, the University
of the Sunshine Coast (www.usc.edu.au)
has entered into an illegal lease agreement with the racist Environmental
Protection Agency to use our
huts on K'Gari (Fraser island).
As previously advised, we the Dalungbara Aboriginal People have been continually
frustrated by the Queensland government preventing us from fulfilling our
aspirations for K'Gari (Fraser Island).
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with the Queensland
Police, have physically
prevented us from using our huts at our Dalungbara Cultural Centre (known
to the public as Dilli Village).
And now, the University of the Sunshine Coast, working in collaboration with
the EPA, is serving to escalate racial tensions.
During a recent telephone conversation with Professor Clark (pclark@usc.edu.au),
he stated the following:
1. The Dalungbara Aboriginal People don't own any
huts on 'Fraser island'.
This is in direct conflict with our common law possessory title, which was
acknowledged in the UNESCO World Heritage agreement.
2. He has worked with traditional owners (names withheld)
of 'Fraser Island' who welcomed him and his proposals.
The huts belong to us, the Dalungbara Aboriginal People. He has dealt with
the wrong Aboriginal people.
3. The huts will be used by students and the public,
and use of the area will be to celebrate the indigenous nature of the island.
This is our proposal.
4. He does not want to deal with the wrong Aboriginal
People.
He has deliberately chosen to ignore the fact that this area belongs to us,
the Dalungbara.
He has obviously ignored the information on our web site at www.brumbywatchaustralia.com
> "IndigePasses to Fraser Island".
Clark advised me that he will not meet with Elder John Dalungdalee Jones
to discuss ownership and cultural issues - and yet, in his letter below
to Aboriginal supporter Mr Randall John Coleman, he states
"The indigenous and environmental aspects of
the site and of Fraser Island as a whole will be an important element of the
educational experience, and we are keen to work with the recognised traditional
and family owners in this process".
Sir, your immediate attention and actions are warranted.
The 'World Heritage' status of K'Gari is nothing more than an impudent imitation
of what was agreed to
by the Qld and Commonwealth governments when entering into contract with the
UNESCO World Heritage Convention.
This so-called 'World Heritage' listing has evolved into little more than
a gimmick to draw tourism to our island, producing a healthy income for the
Queensland government, of which we receive nothing.
Regards,
Lyall Lindsay SempfÓ
Authorised Representative
Rainbow Beach Manager for Fraser Island
Dalungbara Aboriginal People
Letter to follow
