We (the editors) have heard of various local, national, and global projects that Bays people are involved in. And we’d like to start sharing these with you. However, because I (Suzanne) left pursuing these stories until it was too late for the June edition, I’m starting with my project. It’s known as ‘Returning bubu to Bama’. I also privately call it ‘It ain’t easy being green. Or black.’
‘Bubu’ is Eastern Kuku Yalanji (EKY) for country. ‘Bama’ means people. The country is the Daintree region of Far North Queensland. So, the project is about three things: returning country to its traditional Aboriginal custodians, ensuring that the country is properly cared for (as opposed to being further cleared and developed), and providing cultural, economic, educational, training, and social opportunities to EKY people. All this while strengthening, protecting, and sharing EKY cultural values, language, and lore.
Jabalbina (EKY) Rangers. Image: Steven Nowakowski
One way of returning bubu to Bama is through Rainforest 4’s (R4) buyback program. R4 is in partnership with HalfCut, Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation (JYAC) and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services (QPWS).
This is where I came in. Last November, I purchased an eight-hectare property in Diwan (north of the Daintree River) so it couldn’t be developed. It was deemed high-conservation value even though it had been almost completely cleared of old growth rainforest in the 1980s. The land clearing was part of the disgraceful Great Land Grab and Sell-off that occurred during the reign of Queensland Premier, Jo Bjelke-Peterson and his coterie of corrupt politicians and profiteering private sector actors. Happily, in the 40 years since the property was razed, the old growth has thrived and new growth has erupted. There are now many endemic and some endangered species of rainforest life on the property and in its adjoining creek, as well as one new and critically endangered species, the Daintree Rainbow Fish.
Lot 93 Cape Tribulation Rd Diwan
Lot 93 Hutchinson Creek. Image: Steven Nowakowski
Lot 93 Daintree Rainbow Fish. Image: Keith Martin & Susan Barclay
I then signed an agreement with R4. They will raise donor funds and purchase the property back from me over 5-10 years. In the meantime, it’s being protected and regenerated. And I’m able to use it as a base from which to do my research and writing (and sun, moon and star gazing, and rainforest and mountain exploring, and freshwater creek and waterhole swimming).
I’ve been staying on the property since early March, and along with R4, HalfCut, JYAC, and about 50 donors, we’ve removed the leftover human detritus, killed off the guinea grass, brambles, lantana, and other pests, and planted around 1000 trees on what was a muddy, weed-infested wasteland. So far, this mad mission of mine (which has Greg’s full support, bless him) has been spectacularly successful.
Lot 93 weed clearing. Image: Suzanne Plater
Lot 93 derelict van. Image: Suzanne Plater
Lot 93 planting day
Why, then, have I dubbed the project ‘It ain’t easy being green. Or black’? In brief, the buyback is getting pushback from some non-EKY Daintree residents. This is partly due to the perceived risk of losing potential residents who may have purchased, developed, and lived on properties like mine. Current residents therefore fear a reduction in council and state funded programs, facilities, and services. There are also some non-EKY Daintree residents who appear unhappy about the concept of having to share the Daintree and its economic resources (i.e. power and control) with its traditional Aboriginal custodians. And of course, there are the developers, who are often anti-green, no matter what shade it comes in.
But there are many other residents who are sympathetic to and supportive of the buyback. In any case, returning bubu to Bama is happening at a steady and seemingly unstoppable pace (R4 has purchased and returned 22 undeveloped freehold properties to the EKY so far). Non-EKY peoples’ adaptation to the changing dynamics will therefore be key to sustaining their presence and lifestyle in the oldest rainforest and among the oldest living culture on earth.
Feature Image: Jabalbina (EKY) Rangers with donors. Image: Steven Nowakowski
Article By: Suzanne Plater