Albert Wiggan is an inspiration.
A traditional owner and Bardi-Kija-Nyul Nyul man from the Dampier Peninsula of Western Australia, he’s also an Indigenous ranger and sees himself as a translator between Western science and Aboriginal teachings. “I feel part of both worlds,” the 38 year old says.
His knowledge and love for nature led him to fight the government’s plans for the world’s largest LNG gas export terminal at James Price Point (a vital marine sanctuary, home to songlines and dinosaur footprints). Albert lobbied the Supreme Court and fronted a blockade until the developer withdrew from the project.
On this episode of Talking Australia, Albert discusses his concerns for the future of the Kimberley and how the entire nation can benefit from the region – without extraction and potential devastation of one of country’s most pristine areas.
This episode of Talking Australia is hosted by Chrissie Goldrick (Editor-in-chief at Australian Geographic) and produced by Ben Kanthak (www.beachshackpodcasts.com).
You can also follow us on Instagram @australiangeographic
Destinations
From a helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls to wandering through the Bungle Bungle Range, the Kimberley is ripe for exploration with APT.
Destinations
The Kimberley region in Western Australia offers a once-in-a-lifetime wilderness experience like no other.
Science & Environment
We investigate the origins of Western Australia’s iconic boab tree, whose only living relatives survives far away in Africa.
Science & Environment
Venture into El Questro National Park in Western Australia’s remote Kimberley, alongside scientists and volunteers as they seek to understand the ecological impact of the invasive cane toad as it moves west across Australia.
Science & Environment
Join APT and Australian Geographic on an exciting voyage along the Kimberley coast from Broome to Darwin.
News
The long-beaked echidna – thought to have died out in Australia 10,000 years ago – might still survive in the Kimberley.
Science & Environment
Western Australia’s super-corals are adapted to high temperatures, but even they didn’t escape the recent bleaching event unscathed.
Travel with us
Three decades ago, in 1987, Mike and Susan Cusack headed into the remote western Kimberley to become Australian Geographic’s ‘wilderness couple’.