Concerned Traditional Owners Perform Ceremony Across Sea Country Where Q/23P Exists. Photo: Nerida Brown
The Cairns and Far North Environment Centre (CAFNEC) is calling for the immediate rejection of the renewal application for Exploration Licence Q/23P, which expired on August 17, 2024. Despite the application for renewal being submitted in 2023, the decision has not been made, leaving Traditional Owners and the broader community in a state of uncertainty and distress.
The protracted process surrounding the renewal of this licence has raised significant concerns. The delay not only hinders effective planning but also exacerbates the negative impact on local communities and the environment.
CAFNEC’s call for rejection is driven by two primary concerns, climate harm and inadequate engagement with Traditional Owners.The continued operation under this licence poses substantial risks to our climate. The potential exploration and exploitation of resources contradict the urgent need for actions that combat climate change. CAFNEC urges a shift in focus towards sustainable and environmentally responsible practices.
“This delay is not just a bureaucratic inconvenience; it has real-world implications for the Traditional Owners and the environment,” said Lucy Graham, Director of CAFNEC. “The protracted decision-making process is causing significant distress and undermining the trust in our resource management systems.”
Concerned Traditional Owners Perform Ceremony Across Sea Country Where Q/23P Exists. Photo: Nerida Brown
The proponent’s history of poor engagement with Traditional Owners is deeply troubling. Meaningful consultation with First Nations communities is essential for any resource management activity. The protracted process and lack of decisive action have left Traditional Owners in limbo, undermining their rights and interests.
“The proponent’s history of failing to engage meaningfully with Traditional Owners is unacceptable,” said Nerida Brown from Teppethiggi Ni’Ripono Landcare Aboriginal Corporation. “Our rights and interests must be respected, and any decisions made must be in full consultation with our communities.”
The spokesperson further noted, “Articles 11, 12, 14, 25, and 26 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) affirm our rights to protect our cultural heritage and live in peace without our health being compromised. This licence renewal threatens those rights.”
CAFNEC is urging the relevant authorities to expedite the decision-making process and reject the renewal application for Q/23P. The extended timeline has not only created unnecessary uncertainty but also delayed progress on addressing critical environmental and cultural issues.
CAFNEC calls on Minister Scott Stewart and Minister Madeline King to take immediate action to reject the licence renewal application and uphold principles of environmental stewardship and respect for First Nations communities.
Read More about this Campaign Here: https://cafnec.org.au/looking-after-country-in-the-western-cape/
