* Astronomy

An ancient pathway, part of the remarkable trade and cultural routes of Australia that predate the Silk Road, the Roman roads and other great roads of world antiquity, has been nominated as National Heritage of Australia.

The Bundian Way, a corridor including the old pathways used to walk to and fro between Twofold Bay, the Snowy Mountains and beyond, has been nominated by the Eden Local Aboriginal Lands Council for recognition as a significant part of Australia's National Heritage for its Aboriginal and European shared heritage values.
It runs through the wild, much-mythologised Man from the Snowy River country, and in some parts local roads and tracks follow its course. One pathway spur continues on to Omeo and Gippsland or to the western plains via the Omeo Gap.
The Bundian Pathway passes through Delegate and by the village of Towamba, finishing near Boydtown on Twofold Bay.

"When the European pioneers arrived on the Monaro tablelands they found the extremely rugged mountain ranges a barrier to settlement. It was too difficult to get produce to market without access to the nearest harbour in Eden. The old Aboriginal clans came to the rescue and showed the settlers pathways that had been used for thousands of years. These became the first roads" - John Blay, researcher.

The clans also showed the pioneers how to get to Gippsland, which was unsettled at the time, and further west to the plains country through the Omeo Gap.

"These are the things that make us who we are today. They promote better understanding and relationships " - Ben J. Cruse, Chair of the Eden Local Aboriginal Lands Council.

You can still walk all the way along the Bundian Pathway, mostly through wild country or minor country roads, from the highest part of the continent to the coast. Many traces still remain in the present day.
The nomination covers public lands in the 260 kilometre length of the Bundian Way between the Snowies and Twofold Bay within a cultural corridor or story/information/education zone that could be as much as 40km wide. This is the area where the countryside's Aboriginal characteristics will be recognised.

Records are kept at the Monaroo Bobberer Gudu Keeping Place, but private landholders might later volunteer for their land to be mapped.
If the corridor were to extend for 40km, the township of Bombala would be included. Mr Blay explains that this would be an opportunity to add layers to the town story, as it lies at the intersection of important old pathways.

Thus success of the nomination could have cultural and tourism advantages for Bombala, likewise for Thredbo, Towamba, Wonboyn and Boydtown.
Importantly, the information corridor would not adversely impact on development or the economy within its area of some 769000ha, which is mostly in National Parks. Forestry and farming would continue as ever, the corridor would simply serve to focus information about the Aboriginal landscape.
It is also important for readers to note that the nomination has nothing to do with native title. It is not a claim for land or ownership. It asks for acknowledgment of some Aboriginal cultural heritage values in the historic landscape. These are symbolised by the old pathways which connect places of significance for all Australians, Koori and European alike.

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