Yunbenun community leads efforts to protect cultural, environmental legacy

Joseph Guenzler Published October 17, 2024 at 1.30pm (AWST)

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Yunbenun is home to a number of endangered and migratory species including green sea turtles. (Image: Kobie Rhodes)

Yunbenun, also known as Magnetic Island, is home to a community working to protect its rich ecosystems and cultural heritage.

Located 8km from Townsville, the island's diverse environments include mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows which support endangered species such as dugongs and turtles.

With a population of 2,400 residents, Yunbenun faces challenges from climate change and coastal development, sparking collaborative efforts to safeguard the island.

For the Wulgurukaba People, Yunbenun holds deep cultural significance.

Wulgurukaba Elder Brian Johnson explained how the land "holds importance to us because we can identify our shields and markings where we believe that we are connected to this land and the water".

"As Traditional Owners, we have an obligation to look after Country," Mr Johnson said.

*Wulgurukaba Elder Brian Johnson emphasises the responsibility to care for Country and the importance of collaboration in fulfilling that duty. (Image: Ben and Di)*

To address environmental threats, the Magnetic Island Community Development Association (MICDA) initiated the Yunbenun-Magnetic Island Community Action Plan (CAP) in 2020.

This plan united Traditional Owners, community groups, scientists, and local authorities to protect the island's World Heritage values.

MICDA President Libby Evans-Illidge said the connection to the land is unique.

"Magnetic Island's natural, social, and cultural values are expressed uniquely across the World Heritage Area," Ms Evans-Illidge said.

The CAP has paved the way for new projects, including a focus on climate action.

MICDA coordinator Aniko Papp outlined the community's goal.

"We aim for a Net Zero Yunbenun-Magnetic Island by 2030, powered entirely by renewable energy," she said.

Protecting marine life is another key focus.

Envite Environment's Natasha Rodwell described efforts to preserve turtle nesting sites.

"We're identifying vegetation that maintains sand temperature for balanced male and female turtle populations," she said.

The island is also addressing threats to mangrove forests, crucial to blue carbon habitats.

Through the MangroveWatch program, volunteers are gathering baseline data to better understand these ecosystems.

Yunbenun's community, including Traditional Owners and residents, is committed to preserving the island's unique cultural and environmental values for future generations.