“Rehabilitating the land is very important to our people and our culture. It’s up to us to make sure that we look after the land, for the land looks after us.”

Nicole (Niccy) Muller is on-country at a small property owned by the Barada Barna Aboriginal Corporation, on the outskirts of Nebo. She is the chairperson for the Barada Barna Aboriginal Corporation who represent the Barada
Barna people–traditional owners of land and waterways to the north of Nebo through to Moranbah, Dysart, Middlemount and across the Connor Ranges.

Niccy is overlooking the seed production area where native plants will be grown to produce seeds, which are then used in land recovery projects.

Whilst there is plenty of mining and heavy industry in the area, the land around the BowenBasin encompasses a variety of landscapes. From rolling hills and fertile plains to rocky outcrops and gorges, the land has a range of unique flora and fauna that has adapted to life in this arid environment.

In rehabilitating the land, it’s important to restore it to reflect the original environment, or as close as possible. Returning the land to its original state positively affects not just the scenery, but the biodiversity itself.

However the connection between people and country is just one of the corporation’s values.

The Barada Barna people were given consent determination in June 2016, and since then the corporation has expanded their services and partnerships to promote the self-determination of Barada Barna people. Employment and training services, partnerships with mining services contractors and upgrades to worker accommodation are just some of the tangible economic projects Barada Barna is focusing on that create socio-economic benefit for Barada Barna people.

They also have more aspirational projects in the pipeline, including completion of a cultural awareness centre and cultural heritage keeping places.

Though perhaps the most important area the corporation focuses on is ensuring social support for the Barada Barna people.

Everything from medical assistance, sporting endeavours, through to aged care support and job readiness is provided to ensure that their people are as healthy as the land they care take.

BHP Mitsubishi Alliance is proud to partner with the Barada Barna Aboriginal Corporation, on whose land we operate. To Niccy, it’s not just about restoring the land, it’s about creating sustainable economic opportunities for the Barada Barna people to grow and restore Barada Barna country and culture.
and watch the video on
https://www.bhp.com/sustainability/communities/programs/2023/11/barada-barna-aboriginal-corporation