Culturally important site uncovered at Coronation Drive, Tannum Sands
Published on 04 March 2026
Gladstone Regional Council, in partnership with the First Nations Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng, Taribelang Bunda People Registered Native Title Prescribed Body Corporate (FNBGGGTB RNTPBC), are proud to confirm the identification of a culturally important ceremonial site on land situated at Lot 900 Coronation Drive, Tannum Sands (pictured).
Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said Council conducted various inspections and surveys of the site along with Traditional Custodian representatives, the FNBGGGTB RNTPBC, the Group’s Cultural Heritage team and an archaeologist prior to announcing its Boyne Tannum Aquatic Centre (BTAC) project was relocating from Coronation Drive to Arthur Street, Tannum Sands at the end of 2024.
“As part of site reviews, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) was used to see beneath the trees and thick vegetation. This tool spots features that aren’t visible to the naked eye such as old pathways, gathering places, or signs of past land use,” Mayor Burnett said.
“This revealed the cultural heritage and connection to traditional Aboriginal cultural practices, stories and ceremonies that are deeply tied to the land. By using LiDAR, we’re helping to protect and understand the cultural heritage that lives on in Country.
“Together with the FNBGGGTB RNTBC we are working on a plan to make sure the Aboriginal cultural heritage is proudly recognised, protected and conserved.
“In addition to partnering with the Traditional Custodians and community, we are also advocating on a national level for the Australian Government to properly recognise and support the role council’s play in caring for culturally significant land and places.”
Kristin Sarra, Chair of the FNBGGGTB RNTPBC, shared the importance of working respectfully and cohesively together, saying that we need to ensure that together as a community we implement appropriate measures to protect and preserve this culturally significant finding. Doing this will allow us to continue to educate the next generation through storytelling so that all Australians can learn about our rich culture and customs.
“Further to this, we note this discovery is very important to the Aboriginal community and consists of two rings known as Bora Rings,” Ms Sarra said.
“These were utilised in Aboriginal culture for ritual gatherings, ceremonial purposes, deliberations and to share culture and customs.
“Bora Rings consist of two rings, a larger ring (usually 20-30m diameter) which was considered a public meeting place, and a smaller ring (usually 10-15m in diameter), which is considered the sacred area.
“The FNBGGGTB Registered Native Title Body Corporate (RNTBC) look forward to continued collaboration with Council to develop and deliver the right cultural and land management plan together to celebrate its cultural importance.
“This is a significant step forward enabling Traditional Owners to reconnect to their traditional land and sea areas, kinship, lore, culture, customs and values.”
Related News Item: Council confirms pool project for Boyne/Tannum is moving to a new site.