Tourism, Indigeneity, and the Importance of Place: Fighting for Heritage at Australia’s Last Frontier

The book explores the James Price Point conflict, a significant environmental protest in Australian history, and how local community members, Indigenous custodians, heritage preservationists, environmentalists, and tourists collaborated to oppose the construction of a $45 billion liquefied natural gas facility on sacred Indigenous land. It also follows the Lurujarri Heritage Trail to discuss the sociocultural and political relevance of heritage and tourism for ecological preservation and the wider decolonial project in Australia and beyond.

Format: Hardback
Length: 342 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

The book delves into a comprehensive ethnographic study, spanning a significant period, that sheds light on arguably the largest environmental protest action in Australian history: the Walmadany / James Price Point conflict. Carsten Wergin provides a detailed account of how local community members, Indigenous custodians, heritage preservationists, environmentalists, and tourists came together in a collaborative effort to successfully oppose the construction of a $45 billion (AUD) liquefied natural gas facility on sacred Indigenous land.

Tourism, Indigeneity, and the Importance of Place is a profound exploration of Aboriginal 'country and its living heritage. It follows the Lurujarri Heritage Trail, an Indigenous Tourism experience that would have been devastated by the LNG project, to engage in a timely discussion of the sociocultural and political significance of heritage and tourism in ecological preservation and the broader decolonial project in Australia and beyond.

Through meticulous research and immersive storytelling, the book offers a deep understanding of the complex dynamics that shaped the Walmadany / James Price Point conflict. It highlights the resilience and determination of the local community, Indigenous custodians, and environmentalists who stood against the development, advocating for the preservation of their cultural heritage and the protection of the environment.

The book also sheds light on the broader implications of the conflict, exploring the role of tourism in perpetuating colonialism and the need for decolonial practices in the preservation of Indigenous cultures and environments. It emphasizes the importance of place in shaping cultural identity and the significance of Indigenous knowledge and traditions in ecological conservation.

Furthermore, Tourism, Indigeneity, and the Importance of Place offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by Indigenous communities in the contemporary world. It highlights the need for greater recognition and support for Indigenous rights and the importance of cultural heritage in fostering social and economic development.

In conclusion, The book presents a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the Walmadany / James Price Point conflict, highlighting the power of collaboration, resistance, and the importance of heritage and tourism in ecological preservation and the broader decolonial project. It is a valuable contribution to the field of anthropology, heritage studies, and environmentalism, and will be of interest to scholars, activists, and anyone passionate about preserving the rich cultural heritage and protecting the natural world.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793648259