Aborigines occupy Qld national park

Issue 

Aborigines occupy Qld national park

By Bill Mason

BRISBANE — More than 30 Aborigines are occupying the Lawn Hill National Park, about 240 km north-west of Mount Isa, in support of their demand for involvement in the management of the park.

Members of the Waanyi tribe set up camp in the park on October 6, claiming the state government was stalling in giving them a say in decisions on sacred sites and other issues.

Environment minister Molly Robson states that a written offer has been given to the Aborigines to set up talks. However, National Parks rangers have changed the phone number of a public phone at the park, cutting off contact with the media.

The minister is also receiving a report on possible "breaches" of park regulations on building shelters in the park.

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