Among the dense rainforest and crystal waters of Barron Gorge, Defence personnel held a knowledge exchange day with Indigenous representatives to hear the story of their country.
The meeting took place at the Barron Gorge hydroelectric power station on July 16, before the start of Exercise Austral Shield.
Joint Operations Command environment and heritage planner Craig Pullen reached out to the Djabugay Nation native title claim applicants to discuss the activity and mitigate any cultural issues that could arise from using the area.
Mr Pullen said it was an opportunity to learn the history of the area and hear any concerns and suggestions from Indigenous representatives.
"Defence has a vision to generate relationships with traditional owners. Being able to exercise with their support will help if we start to use this area more often," Mr Pullen said.
He was joined by training areas and civil engagement lead Lieutenant Colonel Robert Miller and north Queensland environment and sustainability manager Sarah Weekes.
Lieutenant Colonel Miller said the knowledge from traditional owners helped Defence better understand and look after the country it trained on.
"Mornings like this demonstrate the importance of spending time with stakeholders, getting to know them and involving them in our planning of exercises," Lieutenant Colonel Miller said.
Following the meeting, the Indigenous representatives invited the team to Stoney Creek to give a better understanding of the land that Defence would be working on.
Traditional owner Richard Bing showed them plants, sites and ancient walking trails to demonstrate the significance of the area.
Mr Pullen said one of the biggest points raised by the owners was the importance of telling their story and dispelling myths of the people and the area.
"We can inform personnel how to consider cultural heritage, but if they don't have a reason then it doesn't have the same effect," he said.
"By sharing their story about how long they have been there, how they lived and moved around that area, we will all have a better appreciation for country."
Mr Pullen said it was great to hear the stories of the traditional owners.
"I got into this role for the environmental side, but the cultural side has been the real highlight," he said.
