Lake Eyre!

That of course never happens elsewhere does it.

Quoted from an interview published by the ABC on 3 March, 2011

Aaron Stuart is the Arabunna people's native title chairman.

"I totally disagree with anyone forming a yacht club for a novel appearance just to, you know, entertain their boredom up in that country," he said.

"To Arabunna people it's important to us. A lot of people think Uluru, Ayers Rock, you know, it's important to that Indigenous tribe.

"It's the same thing here. Lake Eyre is important to this Indigenous tribe, the Arabunna people."

The Arabunna are fighting to have native title recognised over Lake Eyre National Park.

Aaron Stuart said sailing on the lake interferes with their belief that natural objects have a soul.

They also want to respect what they call the keeper of the lake - a spirit that's instilled fear in the Arabunna for generations.

"We just want Lake Eyre to stay as it is, you know. That's our job," Mr Stuart said.

Thanks,

Whilst I can see what they are saying, I'm not sure I understand the difference between swimming and boating on the Lake.

Our plans to head out that way soon will need to be reviewed.

Andrew

andrew wrote,
Without the need to turn into a racist or political attack

Sorry Andrew, ?? not possible ?? if you have a different view on subjects such as this !!. It is not regarded as an ''opinion'' it will be a racist remark.

If the land is"important to us" then why do the communities more often than not look like a rubbish tip!

I have photos taken at a number of communities to support this but of course I wont post them here.

Of course I know some local non aboriginal communities that look like a rubbish tip too. It just irks me when seeing what I have seen does little to promote any sympathy for handing land back to these communities.

Cheers
Stu

I thought that the indigenous population used dugout or bark canoes, surely these were used on natural waterways with a "soul".
It's hard not be cynical when these claims are directed at tourism hot spots, tourism = dollars!

I have always done the right thing in regard to obtaining travel permits, but if this means even more, then I think I'll take my chances.

If you read Elliot Prices book "The Spirit of Lake Eyre" he states that the indigeonous people did not go near the lake because of the bad spirits there.
Interesting isn't it, only happens where we want to go or there are mining activities.

Lindsay,

Are you real sure the Late Elliot Price of Muloorina Station wrote the book "The Spirit of lake Eyre" ? I think you will find it was written by Val Johnson.

Elliot was Illiterate and would not have written a book. I knew Elliot and his family through working on Muloorina in the late 60's.

You are dead right equinox. The Arabunna are suffering the misconception that they now own Lake Eyre National Park. This park is part of the public estate. It belongs to all Australians of all cultures in a multicultural society and must be shared. The judgement gave the Arabunna a NON exclusive right. They have been conned by the Govt and their lawyer.

ExplorOz members may not be aware of why this is all happening. Hint - the expansion of BHP's uranium mine at Olympic Dam (Roxby Downs).

Unfortunately stupid politicians in SA, despite knowing otherwise have hoodwinked the Arabunna into excepting Lake Eyre for their approval of the mine.

However a thorn exists in the side of both these parties in the form of the Lake Eyre Yacht Club. We're a determined bunch of old farts who aren't going to be pushed around by anyone. Particularly when it concerns individual rights that have been around since the year dot.

There exists a legal principle called the public trust doctrine (a common law right) which has assured "the people" access to navigable waterways for over 2 thousand years. There have been decisions already by federal courts that native title cannot override common law rights because it would destroy our legal system.

You may ask how is Lake Eyre a navigable waterway? Well safety regulations contained within the SA Harbors and Navigation Act list the safety requirements required for boating on Lake Eyre!!! The truth is the water is no longer under the control of DENR but the Dept of Transport. For the Arabunna to say they are concerned for our safety is the biggest joke ever and none of their business. Our members have circumnavigated the world, regularly sail to Antarctica and have been in Sydney Hobart Races. If you ever got in to trouble on Lake Eyre you just get out and walk.

The Vice Commodore and I proved our case last year when, after being threatened with a $50K fine by the minister of Aboriginal Affairs Grace Portolesi, we enjoyed a pleasant week sailing on the Lake. Guess what happened? Well six months later I was sent a petty little fine from DENR which I refused to pay (I bet they said "Bugger") and asked for the matter to go to Court. Seven months later and well over 12 months since the alleged offence I haven't heard anything. They not only lie but are gutless. The week before her announcement one of her staff confirmed that neither native title nor aboriginal heritage issues can stop us from boating - but could we please meet (ie come to a financial arrangement) with them. Like hell.

We are still fighting the matter - just not as publicly. Of course every article in last weeks press mentioned our plight. We thank them for the publicity.

The latest development (rumour only at this stage) is that the Arabunna have now asked for Govt legislation to ban boating. We would expect tremendous public anger with this as it is setting a precedent by which your local waterway, park, even footy oval could be made out of bounds to European culture (unless you pay for a guided tour). It would also be taken to the High Court by us.

If my culture similarly impinged on the rights of the Arabunna to enter and recreate in/on Lake Eyre we would be called racist.

Cheers,
Commodore Bob
Lake Eyre Yacht Club

Commodore Bob,
congratulations for getting some sense back into this area.

I am not a racist but as you know this is ridiculous.

The greatest problem faced by Australia is not native title but MINING. They are locking up huge tracts of land and everywhere you go all you see is keep out signs.

I just drive straight through their signs and my motto is. DON"T ASK FOR PERMISSION ALWAYS ASK FOR FORGIVENESS. Works for me.

Happy sailing,
RA.