Oyster Harbour fish traps a link to culture
Local Noongar people and community stakeholders celebrated the official opening of the Oyster Harbour Fish Traps last Thursday after a four-year protection project.
The $170,000 Albany Heritage Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation project, which arose after unintentional vandalism of the site in 2011, highlights the historical Aboriginal connection to the area through the use of a cultural shelter, boardwalk and interpretation signs.
The traps, which were one of the first sites to be declared a protected area under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972, consist of eight ironstone weirs that are estimated at more than 7500 years old and have an important place in Aboriginal and Great Southern culture.
Aboriginal Corporation chairwoman Vernice Gillies said the project had been a long time coming but she was very happy with the outcome.
"It's certainly one of those projects that have been difficult but very rewarding," she said.
"We wanted to bring everyone together - they're not just ours, they belong to everyone."
The community project was created through consultation between Noongar people and local stakeholders and includes artwork by Great Southern Grammar students incorporated on to the signs.
The site can be found at the end of Barameda Road.
