ONE of the world’s oldest freshwater systems nestled near Heywood could gain international recognition if a 40-year campaign comes to fruition.
Hopes are high the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape will receive UNESCO World Heritage Listing status this weekend.
This distinctive landscape pre-dates the Egyptian pyramids and is home to what is believed to be the world’s oldest freshwater aquaculture systems.
Unlike most nomadic indigenous cultures, the Gunditjmara people built a large settled society along the stony local wetland with evidence of the stone huts still present.
Glenelg Shire Mayor Anita Rank said after years of hard work by the Gunditjmara people, their dreams and efforts would hopefully be recognised this weekend with the UNESCO World Heritage Committee scheduled to meet.
Sending her well-wishes to the Gunditjmara delegation who have travelled to Baku, Azerbaijan, Ms Rank said the imminent decision was part of a broad vision formed four decades earlier by visionary local elders.
“This is an extremely proud moment for not only the Gunditjmara community, but for all Victorians,” Ms Rank said.
“This path to reach World Heritage status started almost 40 years ago and has included generations of local Gunditjmara people who have unitedly chorused to all levels of government the national cultural significance of this landscape.
“Today we are is on the eve of this important recognition hopefully being realised – a legacy for the countless community members who have helped to form this convincing business case.”
The shire leader said a World Heritage listing would have the power to completely transform the region’s tourism sector, injecting thousands of new tourists to the region annually.
The world status would also provide much deserved recognition for the unique cultural heritage of the ancient landscape.
“The power is now in the hands of the UNESCO leaders as we wait in anticipation,” Ms Rank said.
She said the sharing of dreamtime stories would reach a new global audience if the world heritage bid was approved.
Funding of $13m from the State Government for new tourism infrastructure and interpretive devices would help guide tourists across the vast landscape.
“Council applauds the efforts of Gunditj-Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and their supporting partners at Winda-Mara Co-op for reaching this milestone point, Ms Rank said.
“If successful, Budj Bim will be the first Australian site exclusively listed for its Aboriginal cultural value.
“This is an outstanding effort and one which will transform the lives of many Gunditjmara people who will be in high demand as tourism guides and for media profile, to share their Dreamtime stories.”
