Supporting cultural heritage through meaningful partnership along the Murray River Adventure Trail.
The redevelopment of the Koondrook Forest, a key section of the Murray River Adventure Trail, is well underway, thanks to a strong and respectful partnership between the Barapa Barapa Traditional Owners and Parks Victoria. This week marks a significant milestone in the project, with important work being carried out on the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plans (ACHMPs), ensuring that the cultural values and heritage of the land are carefully considered and preserved.
Representatives from the Barapa Barapa community, Glen Galway and Chris Wilson, are working closely with Everick Heritage archaeologists and Parks Victoria staff to undertake this critical stage of the redevelopment process. Their presence and input are essential in identifying, protecting, and managing sites of cultural significance within the forest landscape.
The ACHMP process is a vital part of any redevelopment involving public land with known or potential Aboriginal cultural heritage. It ensures that traditional knowledge and historical connections to Country are incorporated into planning and decision-making, and that the voices of Traditional Owners are central throughout. By integrating cultural heritage considerations into the project from the outset, Parks Victoria is demonstrating a commitment to respectful and collaborative land management.
Koondrook Forest, located along the banks of the Murray River, holds deep cultural, spiritual, and historical significance for the Barapa Barapa people. It has long been a place of gathering, hunting, and cultural practice. Through this project, the forest’s role as a living cultural landscape will not only be protected but also better understood by the broader community as the area becomes more accessible as part of the Adventure Trail.
The redevelopment works will include the creation of accessible walking and cycling paths, upgraded visitor facilities, and improved signage, helping to connect more people to the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region. Importantly, these changes are being made with input from Traditional Owners every step of the way, ensuring the outcomes reflect and respect cultural values.
The collaborative approach taken this week between Barapa Barapa representatives, heritage consultants, and Parks Victoria reflects a broader shift towards inclusive, informed, and community-led land management. By engaging Traditional Owners in on-ground heritage assessments and decision-making processes, the project is setting a positive example for how infrastructure development and cultural heritage protection can go hand-in-hand.
As this stage of the ACHMP work progresses, the focus remains on ensuring that the forest redevelopment honours the past while building for the future. The work being done now lays a strong foundation for a project that will benefit not only the environment and local economy, but also community understanding and appreciation of Barapa Barapa culture and history.
