Cynthia Lui MP
Member for Cook
Media Release
An historic land handover on remote Cape York Peninsula tomorrow could see the traditional owners revive tourism at Pajinka, more than 1000 kilometres north of Cairns.
A State Government representative will hand over the title deeds to 211 hectares of land, including the site of the once-iconic Pajinka Wilderness Lodge Resort, to the Gudang/Yadhaykenu people at a ceremony this morning (Thursday).
And a draft redevelopment plan put together with State Government support could see the old resort facilities in use again.
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the transfer was a great milestone for the Gudang/Yadhaykenu Aboriginal Corporation.
“Like their ancestors Gudang/Yadhaykenu peoples can continue to hunt, fish, gather, hold meetings, teach their younger generations about the strong connection to this land,” Ms Lui said.
“Importantly, this land transfer will allow the Gudang/Yadhaykenu people to explore future economic development and job opportunities.
“I understand that Gudang/Yadhaykenu Aboriginal Corporation is currently looking at a staged redevelopment of camping and resort accommodation to help attract visitors to the region.”
Traditional owner and Gudang/Yadhaykenu Aboriginal Corporation Chair Michael Solomon said the Pajinka lands were a traditional icon for the Gudang/Yadhaykenu people for hunting and gathering and of major cultural significance.
“This land handover will help preserve this iconic status for future generations while also creating new opportunities for our people including in cultural and tourism,” Mr Solomon said.
“It recognises our connection to the land in accordance with traditional laws/lore and customs across multiple generations.
“This land handover also looks to the future—annually this region sees a huge pilgrimage of visitors and our goal is to rebuild the former Pajinka lodge to include accommodation, visitor facilities and activities that will further showcase our culture to these visitors.
“New opportunities for 2020 and beyond will include showcasing our traditional dancing, food, arts, crafts and other experiences to the wider community,” Mr Solomon said.
The Queensland Government has been working with the Gudang/Yadhaykenu Aboriginal Corporation to progress plans to develop the Pajinka site.
Ms Lui said the State Government had been working with the Gudang/Yadhaykenu Aboriginal Corporation on a draft Pajinka Redevelopment Plan.
“Early works will focus on site clean-up before progressing to the rebuilding of the site’s amenities and kiosk as a commercial enterprise,” she said.
“Further stages will allow for the development of camping facilities and look into the redevelopment of the resort’s accommodation.
“This resort served as a rest spot for many travellers during its heyday in the 80s and 90s and this transfer of ownership to the traditional owners will mean this resort can be repurposed to serve the community and visitors once again.”
Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy deputy director-general Wally Kearnan will hand over the title deeds this morning (Thursday) to Pajinka elder Bernard Charlie at a ceremony at the Esplanade at Pajinka.
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Media contact: Cook Electorate Office – 4223 1100