The Story
YALINGBILA BIBULA (WHALE ON THE HILL)
Yalingbila Bibula will be a landmark tourism attraction for Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), telling the story of the Island’s Traditional Custodians and their continuous and ongoing connection to the majestic Eastern Humpback whales.
The interpretive facility, Yalingbila Bibula (Whale on the Hill) will house the 15-metre skeleton of the Yalingbila (whale) that washed ashore at Mulumba (Point Lookout) in 2011 – one of the few complete humpback whale skeletons on public display in the world.
Meandering off the North Gorge Walk at Mulumba headland, visitors will have free access to this innovative facility and be able to watch the passing whales from both inside and outside the shelter.
At a total height of just 7.3 metres, the single-storey structure will sit below the existing tree line and be set, recessed, into the landscape alongside the North Gorge Walk.
The majestic 15-metre male whale skeleton will be suspended below a spectacular reflective ceiling, a nod to the underside of the ocean’s surface. This will be the only complete humpback whale skeleton on public display in the Southern Hemisphere.
The facility will feature a hydrophone – an underwater microphone system – that will allow visitors to listen to the whales’ song as they pass by.
It will be a place for ongoing research in partnership with the University of Queensland. As part of this arrangement, visitors will be able talk with researchers and learn more about the whales and their migration.
ADDING TO THE WHALE WATCHING EXPERIENCE
The sighting of Yalingbila from the Mulumba headland on their migration to and from Antarctic waters from June to November, is one of the main tourist attractions for Minjerribah and one of the great joys of local residents.
Humpback whales pass closer to the coast at Mulumba, than to any other easily accessible point in Australia. On a good day, lucky whale watchers can see up to 200 whales pass the headland between dawn and dusk.
Minjerribah’s Traditional Owners, the Quandamooka People, have been watching the annual whale migration for more tens of thousands of years. Yalingbila are sacred to Quandamooka People as they represent one of the Quandamooka’s two Moieties (kinship groups).
As part of the Quandamooka Festival, Traditional Owners invite visitors from across Australia and the world to take part in the traditional, ceremonial blessing and Yura Yalingbila (welcome the whales).
THE WHALE SKELETON
In 2011, as the Quandamooka People were in negotiations with the government about formal recognition of their native title rights to land and sea, an adult male Eastern Humpback whale washed ashore at Mulumba. Elders took the rare arrival of the sacred Yalingbila as a positive omen for the Quandamooka People’s future. Since then, the skeleton was carefully stored by the Queensland Museum before recently being shipped to Canada where experts will prepare the bones for public display.
PLACE FOR RESEARCH
The landmark tourist attraction is being delivered in collaboration with The University of Queensland (UQ), as a celebration of life and learning for the wider community to enjoy.
Nestled in the corner of Yalingbila Bibula will be a research pod where UQ’s Moreton Bay Research Station team will record the spine-tingling songs and sounds of the passing whales using a hydrophone, an ocean tethered microphone.
Mulumba is one of the world’s most important sites for international whale research. Each year more than 28,000 migrating humpback whales pass within 10 kilometres of the Mulumba coastline. The migration of these whales has been recorded by island residents and the University of Queensland since the 1980s.
The structured surveys play a key role in ending international whaling in the Antarctic by proving whale populations can be accurately monitored without the need for culling, as previously asserted by Japan. Ongoing whale research from Mulumba will provide vital clues about the impacts of climate change, as well as mapping fluctuations in Eastern Humpback populations.
THE LOCATION
Recognising the importance of whales to the identity, lifestyle, economy and culture of Mulumba, a whale interpretive facility will be built on a previously developed parcel of land on the headland.
In response to community feedback, the landmark facility will be built into the landscape from complementary materials and will only come into view as walkers round the corner of the North Gorge Walk. Its highest point will sit below the existing tree line and sections of the environment around the building will be restored to the natural topography and vegetation. Initial designs for the facility were released for community feedback in May 2019. Response to the designs was overwhelmingly positive.
The facility will in no way impact on the Gorge Walk once completed, but will instead enhance the visitor experience, provide learning opportunities and a shaded place to sit, enjoy the view and immerse yourself in Quandamooka culture.
Describe the proposed development (what is it? Where is it?)
The proposed development is a landmark tourism attraction called Yalingbila Bibula, also known as Whale on the Hill. It is located on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) in Australia. Yalingbila Bibula will be an interpretive facility that tells the story of the island's Traditional Custodians and their connection to the Eastern Humpback whales. The facility will house the 15-meter skeleton of a humpback whale that washed ashore at Mulumba (Point Lookout) in 2011. It will be one of the few complete humpback whale skeletons on public display in the world. The facility will be set alongside the North Gorge Walk, offering visitors the ability to watch passing whales from inside and outside the shelter. In addition, the facility will feature a hydrophone system that allows visitors to listen to the whales' song as they pass by. The development is a collaboration between the Quandamooka People, the University of Queensland, and other stakeholders. It aims to enhance the whale watching experience, provide learning opportunities, and celebrate the culture and natural heritage of the area.
please shorten this into important info and more:
The proposed development is a landmark tourism attraction called Yalingbila Bibula, also known as Whale on the Hill. It is located on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) in Australia. Yalingbila Bibula will be an interpretive facility that tells the story of the island's Traditional Custodians and their connection to the Eastern Humpback whales. The facility will house the 15-meter skeleton of a humpback whale that washed ashore at Mulumba (Point Lookout) in 2011. It will be one of the few complete humpback whale skeletons on public display in the world. The facility will be set alongside the North Gorge Walk, offering visitors the ability to watch passing whales from inside and outside the shelter. In addition, the facility will feature a hydrophone system that allows visitors to listen to the whales' song as they pass by. The development is a collaboration between the Quandamooka People, the University of Queensland, and other stakeholders. It aims to enhance the whale watching experience, provide learning opportunities, and celebrate the culture and natural heritage of the area.
Yalingbila Bibula, also known as Whale on the Hill, is a proposed landmark tourism attraction on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) in Australia. It will be an interpretive facility showcasing the Traditional Custodians' relationship with Eastern Humpback whales. The facility will house a 15-meter humpback whale skeleton, one of the few complete ones on public display globally. Located alongside the North Gorge Walk, visitors will be able to watch passing whales from inside and outside the shelter. A hydrophone system will allow visitors to listen to the whales' songs. The development is a collaboration between the Quandamooka People, the University of Queensland, and other stakeholders. Its goals include improving the whale watching experience, providing educational opportunities, and celebrating the area's cultural and natural heritage.
Describe the liveability of Minjerribah and how it is perceived by its residents.
Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) is perceived as an incredibly liveable place by its residents. The island offers a unique lifestyle that combines stunning natural beauty with a strong sense of community and cultural heritage.
The island's natural environment, including its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife, contributes to a high quality of life for residents. The island's relatively small population and slower pace of life create a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. The community is closely connected to the natural surroundings and embraces outdoor activities such as surfing, fishing, and bushwalking.
The Quandamooka People, the Traditional Custodians of the land, play a significant role in shaping the cultural identity of the island. The island's residents, both indigenous and non-indigenous, have a deep respect for Quandamooka culture and actively engage in activities that promote cultural understanding and celebration.
The island's close-knit community fosters a strong sense of belonging and support. Residents value the strong social connections and collaborative spirit found on the island. There is a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with regular events and festivals that showcase local talent and creativity.
Although Minjerribah is a relatively small and isolated island, it offers necessary amenities and services to meet the needs of its residents. There are shops, cafes, schools, and medical facilities available on the island. Additionally, the proximity to the mainland provides easy access to additional services and opportunities.
Overall, residents of Minjerribah appreciate the island's natural beauty, cultural richness, and community spirit, making it a highly liveable place to call home.
Describe how Minjerribah is perceived by its traditional owners (the Quandamooka people).
Minjerribah, known as North Stradbroke Island, holds immense significance to its Traditional Owners, the Quandamooka people. For the Quandamooka people, Minjerribah is not just a physical place, but an integral part of their cultural identity, spirituality, and connection to their ancestors.
The island is perceived by the Quandamooka people as a sacred and ancestral homeland. It is deeply valued as a place where their cultural practices, traditions, and stories have been passed down through generations. The Quandamooka people have a profound spiritual connection to the land, sea, and sky, seeing themselves as custodians or caretakers of the island.
Minjerribah is seen by the Quandamooka people as a place of healing, resilience, and strength. It holds important cultural sites, including burial grounds, middens, and ceremonial sites that are integral to the Quandamooka people's continued cultural practices and connections.
The Quandamooka people perceive Minjerribah as a place of shared responsibility, where they actively engage with local residents and visitors to promote cultural understanding and awareness. They aim to educate others about their traditional knowledge, customs, and the importance of sustainable practices to protect the natural and cultural heritage of the island.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition and respect for the Quandamooka people's traditional ownership and cultural importance of Minjerribah. The Quandamooka people are actively involved in the management and preservation of the island, working collaboratively with government authorities and other stakeholders.
Overall, Minjerribah is perceived by the Quandamooka people as a deeply sacred and cherished place, representing their cultural heritage, spiritual connection, and ongoing responsibilities as custodians of the land.