Transport officials say they had already taken into account the native title claim

Transport officials say they met with southern Gold Coast Indigenous groups “multiple times” during planning for the airport leg of the light rail.

TRANSPORT officials say they met with southern Gold Coast Indigenous groups “multiple times” during planning for the airport leg of the light rail.

It follows Saturday’s revelation First Nations elders planned to lodge a native title claim which would potentially stop the rail from going through Burleigh Headland.

The claim by Kombumerri Ngarang-Wal Saltwater people - who claim the route will “desecrate” a traditional birthing spot - puts the Burleigh to airport section of rail at risk.

But Transport Minister Mark Bailey told the Bulletin a separate native title claim had already been taken into account.

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“We are aware of the Danggan Balun (Five Rivers people) native title claim that includes Burleigh Hill north of Goodwin Terrace, the beach, and Burleigh National Park,” he said.

“The claim was first lodged in mid-2017 and my department would take such a claim into consideration if it affected any infrastructure project, including a future stage of light rail.

“The Palaszczuk Government has three First Nations MPs within our ranks and we have a proud record of working with the First Nations community on major infrastructure projects and this will be no different.”

Elders on Saturday likened the area as “like the Vatican” for local Indigenous groups.

They claimed they had been left out of community consultation, which TMR officials denied.

Elder spokeswoman Cherie Dillon said the site had ancient fish traps, “Dreaming rocks”, ochre deposits and was home to many native plants and animals.

“They live there peacefully and are a natural scenic and cultural attraction enjoyed yearly by thousands of people and visiting schoolchildren,” she said, adding it must be protected “at all costs”.

Elders from the Kombumerri tribe in front of Burleigh Hill,concerned Light rail construction willl wake the sleeping god. Matriach Cherie Dillon (front) with Patricia Cruzado(left0 and Billy James (right). Picture Glenn Hampson

“We will risk jail and physical harm to stop the wrecking balls and bulldozers from desecrating our sacred mountain.”

Stage 4 light rail consultation between TMR staff and residents took place for two months earlier this year.

Mr Bailey said: “Two drop-in sessions specifically for the First Nations community were held in recent weeks.

“More detailed consultation on the project’s cultural heritage aspects will take place as planning progresses.

“All feedback will be considered in the next stage of planning for the extension south of Burleigh Heads.

“No agreements or cultural heritage management plans have been signed at this early stage.”

Construction of stage 3 light rail between Helensvale and Burleigh Heads is set to begin later this year.

A preliminary business case for Stage 4 is expected in mid-2022.

Originally published as Transport officials say they had already taken into account the native title claim