Pictured: Young dancers from Mantaka perform at the lease ceremony in Kuranda. Photo: Sean Davey, © Newspix / News Ltd
Nearly 1600 hectares of land has been leased to the people of Mona Mona under a historic agreement with the state government.
A 30-year trustee lease was issued for the entire 1600 ha reserve during a ceremony in December. It was signed by Department of Communities Director-General Linda Apelt, on behalf of the Queensland Government, and the directors of the Mona Mona Board.
The lease effectively returns a place of spiritual significance to the people of Mona Mona.
It is seen as a significant forward step for Indigenous land management in Queensland and ends the local community’s uncertainty about its future.
The lease followed extensive public consultation and negotiations to make sure it conserved the social, cultural and environmental values and assets of the land.
It protects the traditional owners’ connection with their land, so that Elders and young people can continue their sense of belonging with Mona Mona.
The signing day was marked by celebrations hosted by the Mona Mona Bulmba Corporation, an organisation established by Mona Mona people.
Mona Mona Land Reserve lies north-west of Kuranda in Far North Queensland. It is the site of a former Seventh- Day Adventist Aboriginal Mission which closed in 1962.
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