CULTURAL HERITAGE & LAND RESPECT POLICY

 

Issued by MTB Detour Pty Ltd (ACN 693 200 289)

Version 1.0 — Effective 1 January 2026

1. Purpose

1.1 This Cultural Heritage & Land Respect Policy (“Policy”) outlines the expectations, responsibilities, and protective measures that apply when Participants engage in tours, coaching programs, races, events, and associated mountain biking activities (“Activities”) delivered by MTB Detour Pty Ltd (“the Operator”) across Country, land, or locations that hold natural, cultural, historical, or traditional significance.

1.2 This Policy ensures compliance with:

(a) Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (Qld);

(b) Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (Qld);

(c) Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Qld);

(d) Native Title Act 1993 (Cth);

(e) land manager and Traditional Owner directives.

1.3 This Policy is guided by respect for First Nations cultures, knowledge, Country, and custodianship.

2. Scope

2.1 This Policy applies to:

(a) all Participants;

(b) all Guardians of participating Minors;

(c) all staff, Guides, contractors, and volunteers;

(d) all activities occurring on public, private, or Indigenous-managed land.

3. Definitions

3.1 “Cultural Heritage” means tangible or intangible items, values, stories, knowledge, or places of traditional, historical, or spiritual significance.

3.2 “Country” means the lands, waters, skies, biodiversity, cultural meanings, and ancestral connections of First Nations Peoples.

3.3 “Traditional Owners” are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people with cultural authority for specific Country.

3.4 “Restricted Areas” means culturally sensitive zones where access is limited or prohibited.

4. Respect for Country & Traditional Custodians

4.1 The Operator acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Activities occur and pays respect to Elders past, present, and emerging.

4.2 Participants must respect Country by:

(a) riding responsibly;

(b) following environmental restrictions;

(c) treating all sites with cultural significance with care;

(d) complying with Traditional Owner guidance.

5. Cultural Heritage Protection Requirements

5.1 Participants must not:

(a) disturb, remove, or interfere with artefacts, stones, or natural features;

(b) enter restricted cultural areas;

(c) photograph culturally sensitive sites without permission;

(d) climb on, lean against, or ride over cultural structures;

(e) damage rock formations, carvings, or middens;

(f) disrupt ceremonies, gatherings, or cultural activities.

5.2 Any accidental disturbance must be reported immediately.

6. Access Permissions & Land Use Compliance

6.1 Access to certain areas requires permissions from:

(a) Traditional Owner groups;

(b) land managers (e.g., QPWS, councils);

(c) private property owners.

6.2 All conditions attached to access permissions must be followed.

6.3 Access may be withdrawn at any time due to:

(a) cultural significance;

(b) environmental impacts;

(c) ceremonial requirements;

(d) seasonal restrictions.

7. Participant Conduct in Culturally Significant Areas

7.1 Participants must:

(a) stay on designated trails;

(b) avoid loud or disruptive behaviour;

(c) not disturb wildlife;

(d) follow instructions regarding prohibited areas;

(e) behave respectfully when passing through or near cultural sites.

7.2 Guides may impose additional restrictions based on local advice.

8. Engagement with Traditional Owners

8.1 Where appropriate, the Operator may:

(a) consult with Traditional Owners regarding Activity planning;

(b) engage cultural advisors;

(c) promote cultural education and awareness;

(d) support Indigenous-led tourism where possible.

8.2 Engagement must be culturally safe, respectful, and genuine.

9. Cultural Interpretation & Story Sharing

9.1 Guides must:

(a) avoid sharing cultural knowledge unless authorised;

(b) avoid misrepresenting cultural stories, names, or histories;

(c) direct Participants to approved cultural information sources.

9.2 Participants must respect:

(a) the confidentiality of Indigenous knowledge;

(b) that not all sites or stories can be shared publicly.

10. Protection of Sacred & Restricted Areas

10.1 Restricted Areas must be strictly avoided.

10.2 Guides will identify or communicate these areas where appropriate.

10.3 Unauthorised entry is grounds for removal from the Activity.

11. Prohibited Conduct & Consequences

11.1 Prohibited conduct includes:

(a) damaging cultural sites;

(b) taking artefacts;

(c) disrespecting Country or Traditional Owners;

(d) photographing sensitive sites without permission;

(e) ignoring Guide instructions regarding cultural restrictions.

11.2 Consequences may include:

(a) removal from the Activity;

(b) exclusion from future bookings;

(c) liability for restoration or remediation costs;

(d) notification to Traditional Owner groups;

(e) referral to relevant authorities.

12. Incident Reporting & Documentation

12.1 Any Cultural Heritage incident must be:

(a) reported immediately to a Guide;

(b) documented in an Incident Report;

(c) escalated to the Managing Director;

(d) notified to land managers or Traditional Owners where required.

13. Jurisdiction

13.1 This Policy is governed by the laws of Queensland.

13.2 Additional cultural heritage laws apply for other jurisdictions.

14. Acceptance Statement

“By participating in activities delivered by MTB Detour Pty Ltd (ACN 693 200 289), I confirm that I have read, understood, and agree to the Cultural Heritage & Land Respect Policy and will act respectfully on Country at all times.”