The Wire

Traditional Owners of Cape York Peninsula are frustrated with the lack of consultation regarding the use and legislation for their lands. Whilst Environmentalists and the Queensland government are celebrating greater protection of the main rivers, local Indigenous people are at a loss. Michael Ross, Chair person of the Cape York Land Council is highly critical of the approach and process that has been followed by the Queensland goverement and envorionmental groups. Lyn Schneider of the Conservation Society admits the legislation is a mixed blessing for Indigenous people and believes the environment is the winner.