Central Land Council

The Land is Always Alive

Kings Canyon Lodge

The $17-million Kings Canyon Frontier Lodge was the end result of years of negotiation and development by the CLC and traditional landowners. The project was financed by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commercial Development Corporation (ATSICDC) and Centrecorp – the investment company established by CLC, Congress and Tangentyere Council – in partnership with Frontier Holidays. ATSICDC Chairman Gatjil Djerrkura described the project, which was the corporation's first major investment, as a landmark: 'It's the beginning of Aboriginal involvement in the commercial-industrial world – becoming an equal contributor in the Australian economy.'

Australian Frontier's Trevor Burslem explained that his company's partnership with Aboriginal people makes good business sense. 'It's quite logical for us because firstly, the traditional owners have special access to particular areas and secondly, there's a growing demand, particularly from overseas visitors who want to learn more about Aboriginal culture and life.' The opening in October 1991 was attended by traditional landowners from local communities at Lilla, Ukaka, Wanmara and Ulpanyali. The local communities are using the resort not only as a direct source of employment but also as a focus for their own small business ventures, including arts and crafts, guided tours and trail rides