Woongal Environmental Services, a Wangan and Jagalingou business based in Queensland, has secured a place as a finalist in the Exceptional Indigenous Business category at the 2023 QRC Indigenous Awards. This announcement recognises Woongal's work in environmental conservation in partnership with Bravus Mining and Resources at the Carmichael mine in the Galilee Basin, 160 kilometres northwest of Clermont in QLD.
Woongal Environmental Services has made a notable impact in the field of environmental management over the past three years. The company has provided crucial services such as land, water, and wildlife monitoring, weed and pest management and erosion control at the mine.
"The work the team is doing has improved these ecosystems through effective weed management, cultural burning practices, and better livestock grazing practices," said Mick Crowe, Chief Operating Officer of Bravus.
Mr Crowe emphasised that Woongal's services are "critical to understanding local groundwater and land ecosystems, and, more importantly, knowing that we are mining in a responsible way."
According to the Woongal's General Manager, Michael Bragg, their partnership with Bravus Mining has allowed their staff, many of whom are Indigenous, to deepen their connection to their Ancestral lands through the application of scientific conservation practices.
"This partnership is not only providing jobs and opportunities, but it's also building that connection to Country for our staff and growing the knowledge of traditional land-management practices," said Mr Bragg.
Held annually, the QRC Indigenous Awards aim to celebrate and promote exceptional Indigenous participation in the Queensland resources sector. This prestigious event is not just an awards ceremony but also an occasion that provides finalists with widespread industry and peer recognition, career development opportunities, and invaluable networking experiences with more than 300 industry and government stakeholders. The ceremony will take place later this year on June 20, 2023.
The Carmichael coal mine, owned by Bravus, the Australian arm of Indian mining giant Adani, has been the centre of controversy in the past due to its occupation by the Wangan and Jagalingou Traditional Owners. Representatives of these groups established a camp outside the mine site, which has since moved, asserting their distinct cultural rights to the land and sea.
The mine has been a catalyst for significant economic contributions and job creation in Queensland, employing over 2,600 people and contributing more than $1 billion to regional Queensland contractors and businesses since 2019.
