“We are the river people our river is sacred it is our life it gives us the connection to our land and the beginning of creation. It is our duty to protect our BIRI (river) against the rapid demand of water supplies to the Mining Industry in the Bowen Basin. Urannah Creek and Broken River are the last wild rivers in this country and the biodiversity and the environment is untouched.” Descendant Wiri and Birri people.

In the hidden valleys of Urannah flows the river systems of Urannah Creek, Broken River, Massey Creek. These rivers begin their journey from Eungella Hinterlands to the Little Bowen River to the Mighty Bowen River meeting the sea at the Mighty Burdekin. This river system is essential for all Birri Gaba people.

Urannah is part of the original homelands of the Wiri and Birri peoples of the Birri Gaba Nation. In 1998 through ILC (Indigenous Land Council) the Birri Gaba people bought the property. The title for the lease of Urannah is held in the office of the Urannah Properties Associations. Our family, belonging to the Birri and Wiri of the Birri Gaba Nation and other nations have resided at Urannah for 11 years. The Birri Gaba peoples rights and interests to these homelands still exist and is recognised by the ILC and UPA.

Our connection to homelands, our duty of care and responsibilities are important to our cultural identity and belonging. Sustaining our childrens’ spiritual connection to their homelands has driven our decision to commence a campaign to raise awareness and support for the Cultural and Environmental benefits of Urannah. Currently, the Local and State Governments are planning to build a dam at Urannah. The Native flora and fauna, whose habitats are threatened, have the same belonging and connection as our peoples to these homelands. Significant cultural heritage and protected sites are at risk. Entire eco-systems are at risk.

Preserving the Urannah homelands outweighs the proposed environmental destruction.

We are guardians of the environment with support from our elders, families, countrymen, friends, ancestors and homelands to uphold the lore, the rights and interests, of the land and protect all who reside on it.

We invite you to join us on our journey to keep Urannah pristine and safe for future generations. We welcome you to become involved in our campaign to let the Government know Urannah land and water is Sacred.

Water is sacred, water is life.

SAVE OUR WATER

DHANNA YURIBAYA NIA NAHNI NIA BIRRI NIA GUMA

STAND STRONG FOR OUR LAND RIVERS AND BLOOD