boating on lake eyre

I'm getting more cynical as I get older but... a lot of the indigenous mobs seem to object to us invaders using these places they put their name to until they get an access fee out it. Even then they make up their minds about whether or not it's acceptable practice to allow us access depending on how they feel, or who's arguing with who within the Community.

It must be late. I better go to bed.

Steve.

Steve,
It's not just the indigenous mob.
Have a read of a recent thread on here about the exuberant fees being charged to drive out to Mount Connor for a look and the consequences of not paying the fee.

Sure it's on private pastoral land but other than ensuring the gates are kept closed and taking a bit for track maintenance...the rest is pure greed.

I guess the indigenous folks are finally catching on to what us "whities" have been doing for years.

I'm surprised it still free to climb Ayer's Rock...although entry into the "park" is far from free.

Fab.

Hi Fab,

I was reading recently about how access to Travelling Stock Routes in NSW Western Division is being restricted to travellers and anglers by some lessees of land adjoining TSRs. It was reported a number of anglers and professional fishermen, permitted to fish for European Carp and Yabbies, have been asked to pay exorbidant fees, in one incidence close to $1000.00.

On the other hand, when I was in Bamaga and Siesia last year I was wondering why nobody is lining up to make a dollar out of all the tourists that travel up there. Apart from the Croc Shop, Cape Bait and Tackle and Loyalty Beach, none of the Indigenous people seem keen to take advantage of the millions of dollars rolling up to there front doors each year, apart from the Jardine River ferry.

I think of Fiji and Bali when I think of an Indigenous culture making the most of the tourists that come to visit them, although in both instances there are other people make the most of the opportunity, being Indians and Javanese.

Today I was thinking about this subject and I think it's a shame that we as travellers sometimes have to pay to pass through Indigenous Lands and we are not encouraged to interact with the locals. I've learnt so much from meeting people that have passed through my life and I feel everyone can benefit from stopping and having a cuppa and a yack..

Steve

Mining and logging companies have been restricting access to some great areas for years. even in areas where they are not doing any work and don't intend to. North Stradbroke Island is just one example where something like 70-80% of the island is a mining lease.

However, to bring this back to Lake Eyre, the only people making money from the lake are private companies. Sure, you need to fork out $8.50 to Parkes and Wildlife to enter the park, but this is hardly profiteering considering the condition of track is decent and the facilities at the end are in good nick. Compare that to the $250 bucks a head to take a flight over the park or the $10 stubbie holders and you can start to feel a little ripped off. But, they are after all... a company.

To extract parts of both the statements made by eighty matey and Fab; the issue of restrictions being placed on access is certainly not just an indigenous phenomenon and even more importantly... I sure as hell don't want to be told where I can and can't go in my own backyard for some airy reason!

Napalm and Eighty Matey.... 100% correct.

Naplam: Being told where you can and can't go. Exactly...what happened to a free country? I understand if it's a leasehold, but certain areas have been public access since the dawn of time. Why can't they still be sacred to those who care, and just a beautiful part of Australia for the others. Appreciation in different regards, but appreciation nevertheless.

Eighty Matey: So bang on here matey. Education is always the key to every problem. If the indigenous people spent a bit more time educating and less time protesting, then perhaps we could all understand the cultural significance of some of these sacred sites. Then perhaps the tourists might at least learn to respect the areas rather than trash them, which is essentially what a small minority do, that screws it up for the vast majority.

Fab.

It has been a long time between drinks for the communities around Lake Eyre, so I suppose I can understand why they'd be keen to bank some in case everything dries up again. The last drought was a long one, for sure.

When I heard on the news the other day about people protesting others using Lake Eyre I thought it was strange. It was the first I'd heard of unpowered boating being prohibited on the lake. Sometimes it only takes one stirrer to get something going.

I agree with Fab that if we are able to spend time with indigenous communities often we all learn something. I've had the opportunity to spend time with Aboriginal, New Guinea and Islander families in Far North Queensland, Lightning Ridge and Healesville. I found the Islanders in Cairns were really welcoming and included my wife and I into their families and we learnt so much about the water environment, cooking (and what you can eat if you really try) and what a support network a family can be. On the other hand, in my experience with Aboriginal communities, they are not as inclusive. While I have spent a lot time with the families and they have been welcoming there has always been something of a them and us feeling. It was a different experience compared to being with my Islander friends and my friends from New Guinea.
I really reckon the Aboriginal Communities could gain so much from opening up their communities and instead of going on about being invaded joining the rest of the country and being part of the 21st century.

eighty matey