I saw your recent editorial about the Uluru National Park and I am writing to say I cannot agree with your criticisms of the Anangu policy of restricting tourism. Uluru is a sacred site for the Anangu, who have been there for over 20,000 years, and while 400,000 tourists a year may not be huge numbers in national terms, it is still a lot.
I agree that tourism is important to the Anangu, but it needs to be managed so that its sacred sites are respected. For example, the Anangu themselves never climb the rock, and in my view, tourists should be prevented from doing so out of respect for the Anangu's traditions.
I also think the Anangu should have a much greater role in how the site is promoted and in tour organisation. At the moment, most Anangu are only able to get low-paid seasonal employment, and the profits from tourism go to outsiders. However, they are trying, through the Culture Centre, to encourage a greater understanding of all aspects of their culture, not just the rock.
If the Government wants to increase tourism to Uluru, which seems to be its aim, it must do so with the Anangu and implement measures to reduce environmental damage.
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