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Traditional Owners to monitor Doongmabulla Springs at mine

22 February 2019

One of Australia’s first Indigenous environmental management and monitoring companies has been engaged to undertake environmental monitoring at Adani’s Carmichael Mine.  Woongal Environmental Services, a Wangan and Jagalingou certified business, is currently on site at the Carmichael Project with a team of specialist ecologists and five Traditional Owner Field Officers.  Adani Mining CEO Lucas Dow said Woongal will collect data to monitor and assess potential impacts to groundwater ecosystems at the Carmichael Mine, like the Doongmabulla Springs.  “Traditional Owner Field Officers will assist with monitoring the Doongmabulla Springs, an important area of significance for the Wangan and Jagalingou people,” Mr. Dow said.  “We have more than 200 conditions in place for groundwater monitoring and Woongal and the Traditional Owner Field Officers will assist us with the collection of data in compliance with these conditions.  “Further, the partnership provides important employment and training opportunities for Traditional Owners in line with our commitment to achieving a minimum $250 million Indigenous business development and contracting investment.”  Woongal Environmental Services CEO, Bill Haycock said the practical field work with specialist ecologists was part of a comprehensive training program being developed for the Traditional Owners.  “Not only will we be delivering the environmental monitoring and sampling that’s required for the Carmichael Mine, but the associated training program will see Traditional Owners become qualified in conservation and land management,” Mr. Haylock said.  “The Traditional Owners will initially have the opportunity to enrol in a certificate level program that will ultimately enable them to attend university and study to become Environmental Scientists.”  Woongal Trainee, Robert Langton from Murgon said he is looking forward to having a full time career in environmental work.  “I have done some cultural heritage work previously but am eager to learn as much as I can so I can create good future for myself and family,” Mr. Langton said.  (ENDS) Download PDF...