Tensions Arise Over Luxury Hotel Proposal in Purnululu National Park

Tensions between traditional owners of Purnululu National Park in Western Australia's Kimberley have resurfaced following the announcement of a luxury hotel proposal in the world heritage-listed area.

The proposal, revealed by the WA government this week, involves global tourism company Abercrombie & Kent establishing a boutique hotel near the renowned Bungle Bungle Ranges.

If approved, this would be the first significant accommodation development in the national park in two decades, located almost 3,000km north-east of Perth in the East Kimberley region.

The proposed 16-room eco-lodge would be situated close to the iconic sandstone domes on a lease granted to the Billingjul Aboriginal Corporation (BAC), a family-run organisation.

BAC's founder, Bonnie Edwards, a Gajangana Jaru woman, expressed her excitement over the opportunity, stating, "We want it for jobs for our people ... cooks, tour guides ... and to be sharing with visitors to the park about how we lived on the land." She emphasised the desire to work on their ancestral land.

Her family's corporation, with 15 members, received a "living area lease" in the national park in 2023. Additionally, two other leases exist for Gija families in the park.

While the leaseholders are entitled to generate income from their leases, any plans may require ratification by the broader traditional owner group and could be subject to other assessments or approvals.

The popular national park has been at the centre of a longstanding dispute between the Jaru and Gija groups.

Native title rights for the Purnululu and Gajangana Jaru groups were determined in December 2023, marking Australia's longest-running claim.

The Bungle Bungles Aboriginal Corporation (BBAC) serves as the peak body for all groups involved, representing about 115 members, and was established to manage traditional owners' interests following a Federal Court decision.

Ben Cross, the BBAC chairperson since October 2024, expressed surprise at the hotel's plans, stating, "I'm very disappointed in the West Australian government." He highlighted a lack of proper communication regarding cultural matters, noting he learned about the proposal through a media statement rather than directly from the government or BAC.

According to a government spokesperson, BBAC was informed about the proposal in August and December the previous year. However, Mr Cross contended he only received a letter from BAC dated December 24, 2024, after the government’s media release.

"We didn't realise an international company and the West Australian government and Tourism WA were backing something for [traditional owner] Bonnie [Edwards]; that's so huge," he remarked, pointing out that the proposal could represent a step backwards in the joint management ethos.

Ms Edwards confirmed that the venture was initiated by BAC and that other native title holders and the wider BBAC would not benefit from it. "This venture is on our lease, not with the Gija people," she stated, expressing her desire to create a legacy for future generations.

The state government affirmed that BAC and Abercrombie & Kent must develop a detailed proposal, which will undergo assessment and approvals, assuring that community or stakeholder concerns regarding development in Purnululu National Park would be addressed through that process.