Successfully managing Aboriginal cultural heritage—LNG and other stories

Abstract

The various LNG projects in Queensland presented industry and traditional owners with a unique set of circumstances. On the one hand, LNG proponents were required to engage individually with traditional owner groups regarding cultural heritage. On the other hand, traditional owner groups were dealing with a variety of LNG proponents each seeking agreement about the same thing but in different ways. The paper examines this issue, considers a number of the pitfalls, and asks whether there is a case for standardising the management of cultural heritage. The current review of the Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 appears to support this approach. This paper will also look at the various ways cultural heritage has been managed in Queensland, as well as in other states and territories, and assesses whether there really is a better way for proponents in the oil and gas industry to manage this issue. Paul Travers was responsible for developing Queensland’s Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003. He also drafted the Aboriginal cultural heritage duty of care and cultural heritage management guidelines under the legislation. He has worked with LNG proponents and traditional owners in relation to LNG projects in Queensland. He brings an interesting and unique take on the essential elements of successful cultural heritage management.