A publican's fierce opposition to new road signs in rural Queensland has ignited a heated national debate about indigenous recognition, historical evidence, and community consultation.
The Publican's Protest and Open Letter
Michael Offerdahl, owner of the Toobeah Hotel in the Darling Downs region, has penned an open letter to Queensland Premier David Crisafulli demanding the removal of signs that welcome visitors to the 'traditional country of the Bigambul people'. Offerdahl argues the signage makes cultural and territorial claims which, he asserts, lack solid historical foundation. The signs were installed after the Goondiwindi Regional Council agreed to a native title determination, a process the publican claims bypassed proper community consultation.
In his strongly-worded letter, Offerdahl requested the immediate removal of what he termed "racial conquest signs" unless evidence is provided. "I am formally requesting that these racial conquest signs be removed from our shire until evidence is provided to back the claim or we are formally beaten on the battlefield and forced into a treaty," he wrote. He has also called for schools and kindergartens to stop teaching what he deems "inaccurate history".
The Backdrop of Native Title and Land Transfer
The dispute is set against a significant legal backdrop. One year ago, land worth an estimated $2 million, comprising more than 95 per cent of Toobeah, was handed to the Bigambul Native Title Aboriginal Corporation. Furthermore, the Bigambul group has since lodged two additional native title claims for nearly 8,000 square kilometres of land in the Darling Downs region near the New South Wales border.
Offerdahl has devoted months to leading community opposition against these developments, which he describes as an "Aboriginal land grab". His focus has now shifted squarely to the controversial signage. He has formally requested historical, anthropological, or archival evidence proving Toobeah and its surrounds are 'Bigambul Traditional Country'. "If no primary-source historical evidence exists to substantiate the claim printed on the signs, I request their immediate removal or amendment, as they misrepresent the documented cultural history of the region," his letter states.
A Nation Divided: The Public Reaction
The publican's stance has sharply divided Australian public opinion, reflecting wider national conversations about history and identity.
Many supporters agree with Offerdahl, viewing the signs as divisive and a poor use of funds. One commenter stated, "This is a slap in the face of all Australians as our national anthem states we are all one. Just get rid of all things dividing us all." Another criticised the expenditure: "Money for these signs could have helped underprivileged homeless, elderly hospitals, schools, but NO we spend it on some minority ideology."
However, a significant backlash has also emerged, with critics accusing Offerdahl of fostering division and ignoring established legal processes. One respondent countered, "The native title process involves extensive research, consultation, and legal recognition, which confirms the Bigambul people's traditional ownership... This process is transparent and based on factual evidence." Others pointed out that acknowledging First Nations history is a step towards unity, not away from it, with one noting, "A lot of these signs... are put as an acknowledgment alongside what the place is already called."
The debate continues as the Daily Mail has sought comments from the Department of Roads and the Goondiwindi Regional Council.
