Meeting papers

Noosa Council respectfully
acknowledges the Traditional
Custodians of the lands and
waters of the Noosa area, the
Kabi Kabi peoples, and pays
respect to their Elders, past,
present and emerging.




 The Kabi Kabi First Nation covers over 11,500 km² of Country up along the Sunshine Coast
 from north of Brisbane to the Gregory and Isis Rivers south of Bundaberg. Kabi Kabi
 land takes in the eastern part of the coastal ranges including the volcanic Glasshouse
 Mountains and the great Mary River valley which flows from the Conondale Ranges to the
 sea near Maryborough.

 Within the Kabi Kabi Nation, Noosa holds great cultural and spiritual significance. The
 Noosa River is regarded as a kindred spirit, a living being that provides a home and
 lifeblood for a vast diversity of life such as fish, oysters, pipis, turtles, dugongs, dolphins
 and people.

 The River foreshores served as a focal point for gathering, healing and celebration
 through festivals and ceremonies that coincided with the harvesting of seasonal foods
 such as the sea mullet. It also served as a focal point for sharing, exchange, ceremony and
 business with neighbouring Indigenous communities, with shellfish middens commonly
 found in foreshore areas.

 As the Traditional Custodians of this land, Kabi Kabi Peoples have nurtured and cared
 for the River and its foreshores for tens of thousands of years. Cultural practices that
 developed over countless generations shaped the land and waters of Noosa and ensured
 a lasting legacy of sustainable use of natural resources, meeting the needs of present
 generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
 Through traditional fire management, cultivation, hunting, stories and connection, Kabi
 Kabi Peoples actively shaped Country and managed resources to thrive on Country.

 The culture of custodianship to improve the health of the River recognises the reciprocal
 relationship between nature and people, caring for the River so its gifts of food, clean
 water, spiritual connection, recreation and amenity can be enjoyed in return.

 “The river and the land is the Kabi Kabi story line. That’s the story of our People.” – Cecilia
 Combo, Kabi Kabi Traditional Custodian and Native Title Claimant




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