Protest of Djukun Traditional Owners Against Development on Sacred Yinarra Reef
Credit supplied: Djukun Traditional owners protesting, Yinarra (Entrance Point), 2024
On November 6th, 2024, Djukun traditional owners gathered at Yinarra, known as Entrance Point, to protest against a development that has sparked a strong outcry from the community. The Yawuru Native Title Holders Aboriginal Corporation Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) approved the construction of a $200 million floating jetty on Yinarra Reef, an area sacred to the Djukun people, without consulting the Djukun traditional owners. This action, taken with no input from the Djukun, symbolises the struggle faced by Indigenous groups whose lands and heritage sites are jeopardised by industrial expansion, often without their consent.
The Struggle for Consultation and Recognition
For the Djukun Nation, Yinarra Reef is not just a place but a living landscape that embodies their cultural identity and heritage. The reef, part of Jirr-ngin-ngan (Broome), is home to a delicate ecosystem and holds historical significance with its 130,000-year-old dinosaur heritage and 15,000-year-old shell middens, yet these features were reportedly overlooked in the approval process. Djukun leaders were distressed as the first pylons were hammered into their sacred land, symbolising a disregard for the heritage laws that are meant to protect these landscapes.
The development is just one instance in a troubling pattern in the Kimberley region, where landscapes are increasingly being transformed for commercial use. Djukun traditional owners have been vocal in their opposition, criticizing the Yawuru Native Title Holders PBC and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for fast-tracking negotiations and bypassing critical Aboriginal heritage laws, particularly those outlined in the 1972 Aboriginal Heritage Act.
“There’s no respect for Country, these middens are old, really old.”
Environmental Impact and Unanswered Questions
Yinarra Reef is part of a fragile marine ecosystem with a rich 130-million-year-old dinosaur heritage and diverse marine life. The reef's health is further threatened by the industrialisation of the coast, which risks damaging the intricate coral systems and marine biodiversity. The question remains: Was a comprehensive coral survey conducted prior to approving this development, and if so, will a copy be made available to the public?
Concerns extend beyond immediate environmental impacts. With overseas vessels soon able to enter Broome directly, bypassing Darwin or Port Hedland, there is fear that marine invasive species could take hold in Roebuck Bay, disrupting local ecosystems. If any invasive marine species have already been identified at the port, it is crucial to understand their impact and what measures are in place to prevent further harm.
Profit Over People
The decision to greenlight this development highlights the prioritisation of profit over people. The Djukun are fighting not just to protect a site but to safeguard their culture and heritage. The floating jetty threatens both the environmental health of the Kimberley coast and the cultural landscape that Djukun elders have preserved for generations. This project is emblematic of an industrial push that overlooks the longstanding connection between the Djukun people and their land.
Credit supplied: Roseline Shadforth, Djukun Elder breaks down observing the very first pylons being hammered into the reef.
What About the Aboriginal Heritage Laws?
In 2023, updated guidelines under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 underscored protections for various types of Aboriginal sites, including shell middens like those at Yinarra Reef. The Djukun traditional owners now call on the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs to address this issue directly: Has there been a decision regarding whether this registered Aboriginal heritage site can be legally altered or destroyed?
The lack of transparency and consultation undermines the heritage protection laws in place and disregards the rights of Indigenous communities as stewards of the land. Djukun traditional owners seek accountability, justice, and a commitment to inclusive decision-making that respects all native title holders involved.
Stand with the Djukun to Protect Country
The fight for Yinarra Reef represents a broader struggle for Indigenous communities striving to protect their lands and heritage. The Djukun Nation urges the public to support their cause and calls for greater awareness of the ecological and cultural risks posed by this development. Together, we can preserve Yinarra Reef and the Broome coastline for future generations. Stand with the Djukun Nation to protect their land, culture, and community against the forces of unchecked development.
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