“The transfer of this land will allow the local Aboriginal community to maintain its spiritual and cultural connections to these important bushlands and dunes for generations to come.”
That was the sentiment of Port Stephens MP Kate Washington after more than 12 hectares of Crown Land was returned to Worimi ownership at Anna Bay.
It followed several successful claims by the Indigenous group.
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure granted four of them and partially-granted three others lodged by the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council (WLALC) over 12.51 hectares of urban bushland and sand dunes near Birubi Beach.
WLALC operates a number of successful businesses, including Sand Dune Bike Tours.
The land claim provides further access to an area on the northern sand dunes already owned by the council, creating new opportunities and benefits.
“I recognise and thank the WLALC for its steadfast commitment to securing legal recognition of the spiritual, social, cultural and economic importance of these lands to the Aboriginal community,” Ms Washington said.
Under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983, the NSW Aboriginal Land Council and local offshoots have a right to lodge claims on Crown Land.
They then must be assessed against non-discretionary statutory criteria in the Act, including whether the land was lawfully used or occupied at the time of the claim, or was needed for an essential public purpose.
If it’s found to be lawfully used, occupied or likely to be needed for an essential public purpose, it can be refused.
However, if a claim is granted, it’s transferred as freehold land to the ownership of the claimant land council.
“I’m pleased to see this section of land returned to the ownership and stewardship of the local Aboriginal community,” Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said.
“It’s a great outcome for everyone.”
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