
REDUCING IMPACTS ON THE LAURA RIVER
Laura Rangers combined traditional and modern science to better understand the social and cultural significance of the Laura River
Photo by: Laura Rangers
Story created in collaboration with Laura Rangers.
The Laura River Catchment is located in the Normanby Basin, in the wet-dry tropics of Northeast Australia where climate is characterised by extreme wet (summer) and dry (winter) seasons, with 95% of rainfall occurring between the months of November and April. The catchment is the ancestral home and traditional Country of the Laura Rangers.
This project sought to document social and cultural connections between Laura Traditional Owners and the Laura River which is at the heart of the Laura cultural landscape. It is intrinsically linked with the Heritage-listed and internationally recognised Quinkan rock art gallery.
Traditional Owners and the local community are concerned about proposed extraction of water from the river and wanted to understand and document the many ways that the river supports culture and healthy communities. The project found that a healthy Laura River, with a seasonal hydrology similar to that which their ancestors experienced and is shown in the rock art, is essential to the cultural heritage and physical, mental and socioeconomic wellbeing of Traditional Owners and the local community.
The river plays a highly important role, connecting Laura residents with their culture, Country and community, and is a core part of their identity. It is an important place for families to gather, practice culture and pass on knowledge to the next generations. Children are taken there to enjoy the area and learn how to relate with their Country and Ancestors with reciprocity and care. According to the report: “These reciprocal, custodial relationships, which today also includes the rangers’ land management and water monitoring programs, foster a sense of home and connection across generations that some Traditional Owners have called a ‘lifeline’ for the Laura community.”
The Rangers were able to continue to expand on the capabilities already learnt regarding water flow monitoring and drone piloting skills. This has enabled the rangers to ensure the health of the Laura River, and reduce sediment flows to the Great Barrier Reef.
“We have been monitoring our rivers and creeks for many years and it is great to learn new skills to help us with that work,” said Christine Musgrave, Senior Laura Ranger.