Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles)

In 2003, the Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles) was added to the World Heritage List for natural heritage value only. Inscription of the property under cultural criteria was deferred. Description of Aboriginal culture, tradition, history or ownership is limited. Instead, the inscription refers to the geological, biological and climatic elements of the property. Incidentally, at the time of inscription the Traditional Owners did not have native title rights which were only granted in 2022 after almost 30 years.

The ambition and decision to nominate the Bungle Bungles was driven by the Australian Government. Traditional Owners were not thoroughly informed nor engaged in the nomination and listing process, or involved in ways that helped them make their own informed decisions.

Since inscription, the Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) has been responsible for daily management of the property through the Purnululu Park Council in conjunction with local Aboriginal people. However Traditional Owners report insufficient consultation, engagement or participation in decision-making despite a desire to be directly involved in managing their Country.  Traditional Owners are pushing to develop a joint management plan with the State Government and recently petitioned the State Parliament calling for a formal role managing the World Heritage listed site, and for the government to begin negotiations to establish that partnership.