7News Covers the Protecting Billingooroo Petition – A Step Forward for Djukun Country

lmage credit: Jaala Ozies, 2024, Billingooroo

On Monday, 23rd September 2024, the Protecting Billingooroo petition received much-needed media attention, as I was interviewed by Campbell Greaves, a reporter from 7News Regional Western Australia. This coverage marked a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to protect Billingooroo, a sacred site on Djukun Country, and preserve the natural environment and the vulnerable flatback turtles that nest on its shores. As a Djukun woman, this campaign is personal, not only for me but for the entire Djukun Nation, as we work to safeguard our cultural heritage and environment for future generations.

The petition, which calls for a permanent ban on vehicle access to Cable Beach (North), has already garnered thousands of signatures from people across Australia and beyond. The news coverage is a crucial step in amplifying our voices, ensuring that our concerns reach policymakers and the broader public. Campbell Greaves’ interview provided an opportunity to share the history, cultural significance, and environmental importance of Billingooroo with a wider audience, raising awareness about the urgent need to take action.

Why Billingooroo Matters to the Djukun People

Billingooroo is more than just a stretch of coastline; it is an integral part of Djukun cultural heritage. Our beaches, sandhills, and the interconnected ecologies—both large and small—are part of who we are as Djukun people. This sacred place is not only home to flatback turtles but also holds profound significance to Djukun families and First Nation peoples, as our Totems are connected to the wildlife found in the area. By protecting Billingooroo, we are preserving our cultural identity, passing down our traditions, and safeguarding the natural environment that is central to our way of life.

The threat posed by vehicles driving on the beach is not only damaging to the delicate sand dunes but also threatens the flatback turtle population. Turtle nests require specific conditions to ensure successful hatches, and the constant traffic from vehicles disrupts these fragile ecosystems. The lights from cars at night disorient turtle hatchlings, leading them away from the ocean and lowering their chances of survival.

The Impact of Collaboration and Public Support

The 7News interview comes after weeks of tireless campaigning and collaboration with individuals and groups committed to protecting our environment. One of the key supporters of this movement is Dr Melissa Staines, a turtle expert who has worked extensively around Australia. Her expertise has not only informed the public about the vital role of turtles in our ecosystem but also added credibility to our petition. Within hours of discussing the petition with Dr Staines, we received over 3,000 signatures, and in just 24 hours, that number climbed to more than 5,000.

The overwhelming national response is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared passion for protecting both the environment and cultural heritage. Our petition has shown that when people unite for a common cause, incredible things can happen.

How You Can Help

While the 7News coverage has given our cause a platform, there is still much work to be done. We are calling on all supporters to continue spreading the word by sharing the petition with their networks. Additionally, you can take action by writing to Divina D'Anna, MLA for the Kimberley region, at Divina.DAnna@mp.wa.gov.au. Urge Divina to support the Djukun people’s call to permanently close Cable Beach to vehicles and protect Billingooroo for future generations.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the Protecting Billingooroo petition so far. Together, we can make a lasting difference in safeguarding Djukun Country and its wildlife. Our fight is far from over, but with your continued support, we are confident that we can achieve our goal.

Jaala Ozies  

Djukun Traditional Owner

Video credit: 7News Regional, Western Australia