The sacred rock re-formation is in the hands of its traditional owners

A sacred rock formation southwest of Brisbane has been restored to the traditional owners.

Dhagun Yumba Aboriginal Corporation on Saturday acquired the freehold of 26 hectares of land that forms part of Whinpullin, also known as Minto Crag.

The ancient rock formation near the town of Poonah is known to some Aboriginal Australians as the ancestors of the giant eel.

The Whinpullin land is now held by the Corporation of Aborigines as an inalienable freehold, meaning it cannot be bought, sold or mortgaged.

It will be held in perpetuity for the benefit of the native people associated with the land.

“The land transfer is exciting for the company and the people it represents,” company president Linda Maybanks said in a statement.

“It was the neighbors and the Friends of Whinpullin group who really got the ball rolling and started the process that led to today’s ground delivery.”

Queensland Minister for Resources Scott Stewart said the state government was committed to protecting and preserving Aboriginal culture, values ​​and traditions.

“We are fortunate in this country to be home to the longest continuous cultures in history,” he said in a statement.

“The cultures and histories of our First Peoples are unique. That’s why it’s important to work with traditional owners to help keep sacred sites protected.”

Since 2015, more than 1 million hectares of land have been returned to traditional owners by the Queensland Department of Resources.

About 38,000 hectares were returned in 2022 alone, including more than 20,000 hectares of savanna bay states, to the Gangalidda and Garawa people.