Native title decision to affect wide region

A NATIVE title decision this week protects the rights of future generations of the Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng and Taribelang Bunda People over land and waters from Bundaberg to Bouldercombe and west to Monto.

In a special hearing in Gladstone, the Federal Court of Australia will recognise their rights to access, hunt, fish and gather, conduct ceremonies and teach on more than 4000 square kilometres of central Queensland.

Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the decision acknowledged and protected these rights for future generations of Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng and Taribelang Bunda People.

Assistant Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Glenn Butcher said the determination was the culmination of very long and complex processes over 20 years.

“It’s great to see the traditional owners achieve this milestone and have their rights protected,” he said.

Traditional owner Richard Johnson said the native title decision was another step on their journey.

“Although the recognition of native title won’t change my life, there is potential positive changes for my grandchildren and their children into the future,” Mr Johnson said.

“Much of the landscape, including mountains and rivers, and resources such as animals in the sea, on land and in the air hold special cultural significance.”

The area includes 26 national parks, and the Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng and Taribelang Bunda People have an Indigenous Land Use Agreement with the Queensland Government to protect the parks.

“This has potential to provide economic development benefits well into the future from future infrastructure and other major projects,” Dr Lynham added.