EWB and BYB also worked alongside the Centre of Appropriate Technology and Aurecon to complete the construction of a ranger base, including an office and ablutions block, at Shipton’s Flat in Far North Queensland.
Today, the site is a place for community healing, learning and land management where community members can come together, reconnect culturally and heal from the challenges faced by communities.
The new facilities have enabled the community to start cross cultural training initiatives and for research groups to visit the site. Local and international groups, such as the UN First Nations Delegation and research students from Wales, have had an opportunity to learn about culture on Country.
The Kuku Nyungkal rangers have developed new walking paths and installed signage, which shares the significance and stories of the land. Two of the elders including Marilyn Wallace (pictured) have undertaken a course in permaculture. They have built a vegetable garden and started applying the philosophy to their land. Later this year they are planning to hold a Permaculture Design Course on the property.
It has been an opportunity for several members of the community to work on Country for the first time.
It took two years to obtain development approval for the construction of the ranger base. This led to a collaboration with Cook Shire Council and the development of a simplified approval process, which will save significant time and resources when applying for approval for on Country infrastructure projects.
EWB is working with Bana Yarralji Bubu, CAT and Aurecon on the development process of ‘Shipton’s Flat Phase ‘ – enabling the community to potentially pursue eco-tourism initiatives with accommodation at the ranger base including a place for eco-tents and caravans.
Photos:Top left – Amenities block with painting of a tree kangaroo; a significant and rare animal in the Daintree region;Right – Bana Yarraliji Bubu Elder Marilyn Wallace at the opening of the ranger base, ;Bottom – Shipton&#;s Flat Ranger Base Site,