Rules of Entry and Obtaining Authority to Visit
Totalai Land & Sea Indigenous Corporation, Mua Island – Torres Strait
1. Jurisdiction and Cultural Authority
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The Mualgal Nation is the lawful Traditional Owner of all land and sea within the Totalai boundary lines, including the Tototal Marine Biodiversity Area.
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The Totalai Land & Sea Governance Council is the delegated authority responsible for granting or denying access.
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The boundary encompasses coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, traditional sacred land & sea sites, and ceremonial grounds.
2. No Entry Without Prior Consent
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All access requests must be approved in writing by the Totalai Governance Council.
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Unauthorized entry, landing, or navigation within Totalai land and sea boundaries is strictly prohibited and may be subject to enforcement actions under cultural heritage laws and Torres Strait Regional protocols.
3. Application for Authority to Visit
3.1 Expression of Interest (EOI)
• Submit an EOI at least 8 weeks in advance.
• Include:
○ Names and affiliations
○ Visit objectives
○ Specific areas of interest
○ Timeframe and activities
○ Equipment/vessel details
3.2 Mandatory Cultural Briefing
• All approved visitors must attend a cultural induction session conducted by Mualgal Elders or representatives.
• This includes orientation to sacred areas, behavioral expectations, and traditional knowledge boundaries.
3.3 Written Permission
• A formal letter of authority will be issued upon approval.
• The letter must be carried at all times while in the area and shown upon request.
4. Conditions of Entry
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Cultural Supervision: Visitors may be required to be accompanied by a designated Cultural Liaison Officer from Totalai Land & Sea Conservation Hub.
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Respect for Sacred Sites: No access to restricted or sacred zones unless explicitly authorized.
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No Collection or Interference: No touching, taking, moving, or disturbing natural or cultural objects, flora, fauna, or marine life.
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Photography & Recording: Only permitted with prior written consent, especially near sacred landmarks.
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Behavioral Code: Visitors must conduct themselves with respect, humility, and cultural sensitivity.
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Daily Contact: Must maintain communication with assigned local representatives during stay.
5. Duration and Scope of Authority
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Permission is time-bound and location-specific.
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Any change in activity, timing, or scope must be reapproved.
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Entry beyond the authorized boundary or timeline is considered a breach.
6. Reporting Requirements
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A Post-Visit Report must be submitted within 30 days after departure.
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Include: activities conducted, observations, preliminary findings, and intended publications or media outcomes.
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All materials derived from the visit must be made accessible to the Totalai Governance Council in agreed formats.
7. Breach and Consequences
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Violation of these rules may lead to:oImmediate removal from the areaoBanning of future accessoLegal reporting under cultural heritage.
8. Contact for Permissions
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Totalai Land & Sea Governance Council
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Mua Island, Torres Strait, QLD, Australia
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Tel: +61 448 311 552
Cultural Protocol Statement on Site Access
In respect of our cultural protocols, all individuals, groups, researchers, media, and organizations seeking to visit, study, film, document, or access any land or sea sites within the Totalai boundary—including sacred, historical, ecological, or ceremonial locations—must obtain written approval through the official permission forms provided below. This process reflects the sovereign rights and responsibilities of the Mualgal Nation, and ensures that all engagement:
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Upholds the spiritual significance of sacred sites
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Maintains environmental integrity of marine and terrestrial ecosystems
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Protects the intellectual property and stories of our people
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Aligns with the community’s values, timing, and authority structures
Access Will Not Be Granted Without:
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Submission of a completed Expression of Interest (EOI) Form
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Attendance at a mandatory cultural briefing
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Receipt of a formal Letter of Authority from the Totalai Governance Council
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Signing of a Visitor’s Cultural Compliance Declaration
Access Permission Forms
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Cultural Access Request Form
All forms must be submitted to the Totalai Secretariat for review. Approval may take up to 4 weeks depending on the scope of request.
📩 For submissions and inquiries, contact:
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Totalai Land & Sea Governance Council
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Mua Island, Torres Strait, QLD 4875, Australia
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Tel: +61 448 311 552