Aspirations

Bidgerley, located within ML 70131, is a culturally significant site for the Barada Barna People. Known for generations as a keeping place and meeting area, it has now been fully developed into a recognised Cultural Heritage Centre for the region.

Driven by the aspirations of the Board and supported by architectural planning, the transformation of Bidgerley involved significant upgrades. These included the refurbishment of amenities, improved accessibility, new walking paths and the construction of purpose-built facilities such as a common area building and a storeroom for scar trees. Essential infrastructure such as a new septic system, updated electrical services and security lighting was also installed. The grounds were enhanced with signage, seating and fencing to protect the site from feral animals, while tracks and bridges were repaired to support safe access throughout the area. Cultural features such as ceremonial and camping spaces were also incorporated around the lagoon.

Now complete, Bidgerley serves as a vibrant centre for cultural education and community gatherings. Local schools have begun incorporating site visits into their programs, giving students hands-on learning experiences connected to Barada Barna heritage. The Centre also hosts youth forums, Elders’ visits and has the potential to develop into a tourism destination, creating long-term economic benefits for the Corporation.

Importantly, the Corporation holds a license to access the land for the life of the South Walker Creek Mine with a commitment from BMC to transfer ownership of the site to the Corporation once mining concludes.

The Johnsons Road property in Nebo was previously used to accommodate Cultural Heritage workers during Cultural Heritage survey activities. However, due to the condition of the buildings and advice from the Council, it was deemed unsuitable for continued use.

With the site no longer available, workers had to be temporarily housed in mining camps. To address this, the Directors identified a new location in Moranbah, which was selected for its close proximity to survey areas and because the Corporation already holds land there through previous agreements.

This new site will provide a permanent, purpose-built accommodation solution, ensuring that Barada Barna workers are supported with suitable facilities while undertaking their important work.

The Naumann Street project in Moranbah is currently under construction and nearing completion. Designed to support Cultural Heritage workers, this purpose-built accommodation complex also includes a dedicated keeping place to store and protect important cultural items.

The site was selected due to its proximity to active Cultural Heritage survey areas and because it sits on land already held by the Corporation through previous agreements. The development responds to the need for suitable, culturally appropriate accommodation after the Johnsons Road facility was deemed unfit for use.

Construction includes multiple accommodation units, a shared amenities area and secure facilities for storing heritage materials. This project will ensure that Barada Barna workers have a comfortable and functional base while carrying out vital heritage work in the region. Once operational, it will also offer long-term economic and cultural benefits to the Corporation and the wider community.

The Directors have long aimed to provide support to troubled or disadvantaged Barada Barna youth by creating a safe, peaceful space for counselling and various forms of assistance. The facility will offer services such as mental health support, sexual health services, Elders support, and mentoring.

With Johnsons Road, Nebo no longer suitable for housing Cultural Heritage workers, the Directors have repurposed the site to serve as a dedicated center for these services. In addition to the center, Johnsons Road will also be used as a Seed Production Area (SPA), where native seeds from the local region will be propagated, and wild seeds will be collected. This site will also serve as the base for Bargala Nanhi, our business dedicated indigenous seed business.

The first phase of the redevelopment includes significant upgrades to the existing infrastructure, including new accommodation and facilities. Once completed, the centre will seek funding through government grants and mining sponsorship to sustain its operations, while the SPA will support local biodiversity and native plant restoration efforts.

The Directors are actively seeking additional funding for future capital works projects, which include the establishment of a gym facility on O’Neill Street in Moranbah, on land already owned by the Corporation. Another potential project is the further development of the Naumann Street property, where Stage 2 would involve the construction of six 3-bedroom accommodation units, designed to house Barada Barna families living and working in the Moranbah region.

Both initiatives are expected to generate additional income for the Corporation, supporting the Socio Policy and other Barada Barna programs. These projects will utilise existing properties that were acquired through previous compensation negotiations.

Barada Barna has secured a large parcel of land in Moranbah, known as Curtain House. Previously an old mining camp, the site has now been cleared and is being prepared for new development. The Corporation has ambitious plans for this land, including the construction of hybrid accommodation, a museum, a new office, and a range of other community services and amenities.

In addition to the properties mentioned above, Barada Barna owns several houses and units in Moranbah, along with vacant lots of land. These properties are part of our long-term vision to provide housing for our people. The vacant lots hold great potential for future development, and we plan to build additional housing to support our community.

Barada Barna owns five houses in Dysart, which are currently being used to house our people. These properties provide much-needed accommodation for our community and support our ongoing efforts to offer safe and secure living spaces.