Study of Groundwater-Related Aboriginal Cultural Values on the Gnangara Mound, Western Australia
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STUDY OF GROUNDWATER-RELATED ABORIGINAL CULTURAL VALUES ON THE GNANGARA MOUND, WESTERN AUSTRALIA for DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT by Dr Edward McDonald PhD. Bryn Coldrick, B.A. (Hons), M.A. and Linda Villiers, B.A. (Hons), M.A. October 2005 __________________________________________________________________________________ EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Estill and Associates Pty Ltd was commissioned by the Department of Environment to conduct a study into Aboriginal cultural values associated with groundwater-related environmental features and processes on the Gnangara Mound in Perth’s northern metropolitan region. The information contained in this report is intended to assist the Department in determining the Social Water Requirements (SWRs) which are to be incorporated into a Sub-Regional Management Plan for use in the water allocation decision-making process. The study involved a detailed literature review, a comprehensive examination of sites listed on the Register of Aboriginal Sites and consultation with key Aboriginal stakeholders both on and off country. The study included exploring the key Aboriginal cultural values associated with groundwater-related environmental features and processes; identifying places of cultural heritage interest associated with these values; highlighting the most significant places based on available information; discussing the potential impact on cultural values brought on by declining groundwater levels; and identifying ways in which Aboriginal people can become involved in the long-term management of groundwater resources on the Gnangara Mound. The study found that the Aboriginal people of the South West (known collectively as the Nyungar people) base much of their culture, identity and spirituality on their close association with groundwater. The Nyungars share these associations with Aboriginal groups throughout the Australian continent. Naturally, access to healthy freshwater sources was central to the survival of the Aboriginal people since they first arrived in Australia, and it has been argued that Aboriginal people are now so closely connected with groundwater in all its forms, that the long-term health of their culture depends on its maintenance. There are a number of primary cultural values explored in this report. These include, and are expressed through, traditional knowledge and use of water resources; historical associations with groundwater features and groundwater-dependent ecological processes; spiritual values; rights and responsibilities; and archaeological evidence. Each of these issues is explored separately using information collected from the various sources utilised during the study including academic writings; published histories; nineteenth-century explorers’ journals; heritage survey reports; studies and papers relating to similar issues elsewhere in Australia; the Register of Aboriginal Sites; and the consultations undertaken as part of the current study. The findings demonstrate the close historical associations Nyungar people have with the groundwater features of the Gnangara Mound including its lakes, rivers, swamps and springs. The historical, ethnographic and archaeological evidence collected over recent decades, mainly during development-led heritage surveys, highlights the intensity of Aboriginal activity around such places. They were the focus of camping, hunting, tool making, collecting plant resources, holding gatherings and ceremonies, and all other forms of human activity. It is little wonder then that contemporary Nyungars feel such a close cultural attachment to groundwater features as almost everything their ancestors did took place in these locations. Of primary importance are the groundwater-related spiritual values of the Nyungar people which centre on the Waugal, but also involve other creatures from the Dreaming. The Waugal, like similar rainbow serpents across Australia, is believed to Aboriginal Cultural Values on Gnangara Mound 1 Department of Environment October 2005 __________________________________________________________________________________ have created most of the major rivers, smaller creeks, springs and lakes which drain the Swan Coastal Plain. It is believed that during the Dreamtime, as the Waugal travelled through parts of the South West, it formed these rivers and lakes and left other environmental features, including caves and other limestone formations, in its path. Many Nyungars believe that the spirit of the Waugal still inhabits deep water and that its life force is present in flowing water. The health and wellbeing of the Waugal is directly connected to the vitality of the groundwater features, and both are intertwined with the health of Nyungar cultural identity. If the Waugal is killed or leaves, then the springs and other features with which it is associated will dry up and the processes of renewal with which it is associated will be brought to an end. Many Nyungars would argue that with the decline in groundwater levels, which is becoming increasingly visible, that this in fact happening. Although most Nyungar people recognise that climate change is a contributing factor in this decline, they consider residential and industrial development as a greater and more immediate cause because these activities, coupled with the Gnangara Pine Plantation, are causing an unsustainable drawdown effect on increasingly limited groundwater resources. Many believe that this is causing the lakes, springs, swamps and caves to dry up which is not only leading to the loss of environmental features they hold dear for historical, cultural and spiritual reasons, but is in turn impacting the flora and fauna that have also been central to Nyungar traditions and culture for millennia. Any actions Government take to reverse the degradation of groundwater-related features and associated ecological processes, and to restore these to their natural state, will have the support of Aboriginal people. Aboriginal people consistently request that water flow and vitality and associated ecological values (e.g. important natural habitats) be protected from development. Therefore, any long-term strategy to manage such resources over a large area such as the Gnangara Mound will be welcomed, particularly if the development and implementation of such a strategy includes a high level of Aboriginal involvement. One of the key principles in managing Aboriginal heritage issues is to ask first and those consulted welcomed the opportunity to contribute to this study and recognised the positive step the Department of Environment has taken by commissioning this report. This spirit of inclusion, partnership and co-operation should be developed further so that Aboriginal people can contribute to and take ownership of the long- term management and monitoring of groundwater resources on the Gnangara Mound. The report makes a number of recommendations aimed at avoiding further negative impacts on groundwater-dependent cultural values including: • Limiting drawdown of groundwater; • Preserving and restoring wetlands; and • Preserving water flow. Aboriginal Cultural Values on Gnangara Mound 2 Department of Environment October 2005 __________________________________________________________________________________ The report also makes a number of recommendations aimed at including Indigenous cultural values and involving Indigenous people in the long-term management of the groundwater resources of the Mound including: 1. That the DoE formally recognise and integrate Nyungar cultural values and knowledge into their Sub-Regional Management Plan for the Gnangara Mound. 2. That the DoE establish an Indigenous Knowledge Support Plan (IKSP) to support, enhance and maintain Indigenous knowledge in respect of the hydrological systems of the Swan Coastal Plain generally and the Gnangara Sub-Region specifically. 3. That the DoE enter into a strategic alliance with Nyungar groups in respect of the planning for the Gnangara Mound. 4. That the DoE develop dedicated resource to effect Nyungar participation in the Gnangara Sub-Regional Management Plan. 5. That the DoE devote time and resources to building the capacity of Nyungar people to participate in the planning process. 6. That the DoE devote time and resources to building the capacity of Departmental staff and those of other agencies to work effectively with the Indigenous community. Aboriginal Cultural Values on Gnangara Mound 3 Department of Environment October 2005 __________________________________________________________________________________ TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................7 2. METHODOLOGY ..................................................................................................9 2.1 DESKTOP STUDY ...............................................................................................9 2.1.1 Literature and Documentary Sources ........................................................9 2.1.2 Review of Existing Heritage Survey Reports .............................................10 2.1.3 DIA Register of Aboriginal Sites ..............................................................10 2.2 CONSULTATION WITH ABORIGINAL REPRESENTATIVES ............................................10 2.3 REPORT COMPILATION......................................................................................11 2.4 CONSULTATION REGARDING STUDY FINDINGS.......................................................12 2.5 PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS .............................................................................12