-- Graham Young Phone: 61 7 3252 1470 W 61 7 3252 1471 F 0411 104 801 M Home Page: http://www.onlineopinion.com.au
Environment and Heritage/Natural Resources, HON. RODNEY WELFORD 9/6/99 "Uncle Bob" On Board For Brisbane River Management Minister for Environment and Heritage and Natural Resources, Rod Welford has welcomed the appointment of Aboriginal Elder, Mr Robert Anderson, to the Brisbane River Management Group's Policy Council. Mr Welford, who is chair of the Policy Council, said Mr Anderson would advise on indigenous issues integral to waterways management and planning. "As an Elder of the Moorgumpin people of Moreton Island, Mr Anderson is a leading member of the Aboriginal community and a tireless worker for the reconciliation process. "He has chaired the State Council for Reconciliation and represented the Aboriginal community in many capacities including as a member of the Indigenous Advisory Council and of the Brisbane Council of Elders.' "It is part of the approach of the Brisbane River Management Group and Environmental Protection Agency to include Aboriginal Elders in an appropriate way, in Mr Anderson's case, at the highest policy level." Mr Anderson, known as Uncle Bob, would be involved in establishing an Indigenous Reference Sub Group of senior traditional owners. Mr Welford said the Indigenous Reference Sub Group would provide a forum through which traditional owners and the wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities could coordinate their cultural heritage and biodiversity responsibilities for waterways management. The 1998 Waterways Management Plan provides a co-operative 20-year strategy for community, industry and government to work together to transform the Brisbane River and Moreton Bay catchment into a healthy ecosystem. Mr. Welford said: "The Plan presents a strategic framework for the integrated management of the environmental, economic, social and cultural aspects of the waterways of the Brisbane River and Moreton Bay catchment. "Having "Uncle Bob" on board will help to ensure fuller and more inclusive decision making where it really counts." Further information: Andrew Carroll on (07) 38963688 9 June 1999
