BHP and Widi people celebrate native title agreement for South Walker Creek mine

A mining giant has opened up new opportunities for Central Queensland’s traditional custodians with a historic agreement they say is more than symbolic. Find out what it means.

Mining giant BHP and the Widi people have celebrated a historic Native Title agreement for the South Walker Creek mine and the benefits could last for generations.

The agreement commits to employment, training and contracting opportunities for the Widi people and also improved education outcomes through annual bursary scholarships.

The agreement also includes plans for Indigenous land use and cultural heritage management.

Widi traditional dancers Neerim Dinjarri Dirun (left) and Mogarah Giyou Peters Dodd at the signing ceremony of a Native Title Project Agreement for shared country at South Walker Creek Mine. Picture: Contributed

The agreement was signed at a ceremony in Nebo and Widi traditional owner Ken Peters Dodd said it would help the next generation across a range of fronts.

“The main aspect is about the opportunity for our next generation, to be able to secure employment and training and everything in their country and to return back to country,” he said.

BHP and the Widi people celebrate the signing of a Native Title Project Agreement for shared country at South Walker Creek Mine. In the front from left to right are Graham Sauney, Toni Wiltshire, Mariette Bylsma, Noreen Martin and James Sauney. Picture: Contributed.

“There‘s a lot of other options in the cities and that but I think the options up here is about coming home to country and actually working within their country and the industries on our land.

“It will bring our people back to employment, which we all understand in the future.

“It‘s all about sustainability.

The Widi people celebrate the signing of a Native Title Project Agreement for shared country at South Walker Creek Mine. Picture: Contributed

“And that’s what we’re looking for, for the next generation, is that choice of sustainability for that generation to make their choice to return home.”

BHP has offloaded South Walker Creek to Stanmore Resources but the agreement will remain in place after the changeover.

Originally published as BHP and Widi people celebrate native title agreement for South Walker Creek mine