BMA and Barada Barna aboriginal corporation sign historic agreement to foster collaborative development

The Barada Barna Aboriginal Corporation (BBAC), representing the Barada Barna people, has formalized a significant Native Title Project Agreement with BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) concerning its mining operations in the Bowen Basin, which includes the Broadmeadow, Caval Ridge, Goonyella Riverside, Peak Downs, and Saraji mines. This milestone marks the second Native Title Project Agreement that BBAC and BHP have negotiated in Queensland and is the first of its kind between BMA and BBAC.

The agreement sets a new trajectory for the relationship between BMA and the Barada Barna people, emphasizing long-term benefits for the traditional owners of the land on which BMA operates. It aims to ensure that the Barada Barna community receives not only immediate advantages but also opportunities that will benefit future generations.

Key components of the agreement include financial contributions from BMA directed toward priority community projects. These initiatives are designed to enhance opportunities for Barada Barna people to live and work on their ancestral lands, reinforcing their connection to the country. Additionally, the agreement outlines economic benefits that will support a variety of sectors, including contracting, business development, employment, education, and training.

Nicole Muller, Chairperson of BBAC, expressed the profound significance of the agreement for her people, stating, “This agreement means everything to our people. It’s not just about the now and helping our people today, it’s also about laying the foundations so future generations after us will reap the full benefits.” Muller highlighted that employment, and contracting opportunities will lead to sustainable, long-term economic and social improvements, allowing the Barada Barna people to return to their land for work and community life.

Adam Lancey, BMA Asset President, reinforced the commitment to recognizing the Barada Barna peoples’ deep spiritual connection to the land and surrounding waterways. He emphasized that the agreement establishes a framework for a relationship rooted in trust, respect, and mutual benefit. The partnership aims to deliver intergenerational advantages through various avenues, including contracting opportunities, educational initiatives, and increased cultural awareness among the workforce regarding Barada Barna history and connections to the land.

Geraldine Slattery, BHP President Australia, remarked on the importance of partnerships with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. “This agreement is years and many voices in the making,” she noted, emphasizing BHP’s commitment to listening and learning to ensure that their practices honour the cultural significance of these relationships. Slattery pointed out that the agreement aims to foster economic, social, and cultural well-being through genuine dialogue and collaboration.

Ken Tauchi, Managing Director and CEO of MDP, expressed pride in BMA’s efforts to collaborate closely with the Barada Barna people to achieve this important agreement. He emphasized that it acknowledges their deep connection to the land and cultural heritage, and it serves as a foundation for a shared, brighter future. The agreement is designed to deliver long-term, sustainable benefits for future generations through various economic opportunities.

Overall, the Native Title Project Agreement between BBAC and BMA is a pivotal step forward in fostering a collaborative relationship that respects the heritage and rights of the Barada Barna people while promoting sustainable economic development in the Bowen Basin.