4. Heritage values

Sacred sites, sites of particular significance and places of cultural tradition are tangible aspects of the Region’s Indigenous heritage values. Knowledge of the locations of sacred sites is not widely shared outside of Traditional Owner groups to respect cultural traditions and protect the sites. Some groups are progressing formal Sea Country values mapping for their Country, in collaboration with managers.^76,78 These projects provide a Traditional Owner-led approach to identify, prioritise and protect cultural heritage values, including culturally important sites (Section 8.5.2). 

Sacred sites can include story places where ancient spirits lived. Marbaymba is a story place near Rattlesnake Point in Jalunji-Warra Sea Country where the rainbow serpent lives, access is restricted under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Qld).^1111,1112  Other culturally significant sites include burial sites, scar trees, midden sites, camp sites, shelter huts, stone artefacts, as well as places of significance during and post colonisation.^76,78

Middens are key sites of importance to First Nations peoples and have archaeological significance.^{120,1113,1114} They are often material remains of historically important communal food preparation areas, burials and toolmaking areas. Sacred sites, sites of particular significance and places important for cultural tradition are more vulnerable to direct human pressure if near development or intensive use areas. 

Damage to cultural sites (whether intentional, unintentional or by illegal activities), can result in the loss of irreplaceable tangible heritage and can have intangible implications, such as inability to undertake cultural practices. For example, fishing and collecting cultural practices are affected if fish trap rocks are moved and the trap is no longer functional. Other examples include cutting down or defacing scar trees and the inscription of graffiti onto petroglyph panels. Sea level rise may cause flooding or erosion of culturally significant sites such as middens and burial sites.¹¹¹⁰

Cultural identity and knowledge systems have been influenced by the movement of goods and people across porous boundaries for millennia, contributing to the complex and multilayered relationships of Traditional Owners with their Sea Country. Many sites of cultural significance are nodes within traditional trade networks where people came together for cultural exchange and commerce.¹¹¹⁵ Recent research has expanded our knowledge of the network of maritime trade and cultural connections between the Reef’s Traditional Owner groups and the peoples of Torres Strait, New Guinea, and the western Pacific,^1116,1117 an area known as the Coral Sea Cultural Interaction Sphere.¹¹¹⁸ Overall, sacred sites, sites of particular significance and places of cultural tradition are not well known outside of Traditional Owner groups.