Indigenous Elders File Major Native Title Claim Over Most of Melbourne

Indigenous Elders Launch Landmark Legal Claim Over Melbourne and Surrounding Areas

Indigenous elders have made a bold legal move by filing a comprehensive native title claim that covers most of Melbourne and several regions across Victoria. This significant development marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to recognize and protect the cultural heritage of the Wurundjeri people.

The claim was submitted by 11 members of the Wurundjeri people at the Federal Court on Friday. It encompasses over 10,000 square kilometers of land, stretching from the Great Dividing Range to the Macedon Ranges, across the Yarra Valley and Mount Baw Baw, and down to Port Phillip Bay. Notably, this area includes major Crown land sites such as the MCG, several shopping centers, golf courses, public parks, and beaches.

This legal action specifically targets Crown land and does not impact private homes, businesses, or infrastructure. However, it grants Indigenous elders substantial influence over the management of affected land and waterways. They would also have the final say in protecting culturally significant sites, which could affect fire management practices in bushfire-prone forest zones.

If successful, the title claim would confer recognized traditional owner rights under federal law. This includes decision-making power over public land use and the right to be consulted on activities within those areas. The claim will now be reviewed by the National Native Title Tribunal.

Broader Implications and Ongoing Claims

In addition to the Wurundjeri claim, there are six other native title applications currently before the Federal Court in Victoria. Collectively, these claims cover most of the state, highlighting the widespread nature of these legal challenges.

Slater and Gordon, a prominent law firm, is representing the latest native title claim. Their case relies on historical evidence demonstrating the Wurundjeri people's connection to their ancestral lands. Furthermore, evidence showing that elders have passed down knowledge of the land, including ceremonies, fishing, hunting, language, and art, will be presented to the court. This evidence aims to establish cultural continuity and reinforce the claim.

Wurundjeri elder Di Kerr emphasized the importance of recognizing the community's connection to the land in law. "We're very proud that this process is happening, and we want to walk together," Dr. Kerr said. She expressed a desire for partnerships with governments and Parks Victoria to co-manage and care for the land.

Perry Wandin, another Wurundjeri elder, highlighted the community's long-standing commitment to protecting culture and Country in Melbourne and surrounding areas. He stated, "It is now time for the traditional lore and customs of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people to be recognized."

Wandin also addressed common misconceptions about native title claims. "When native title claims are launched, everyone thinks we're coming after their properties," he said. However, he clarified that the goal is to work alongside governments and local communities to care for and restore the land.

Historical Context and Future Prospects

To date, seven native titles have been granted in Victoria, while six claims covering the majority of the state remain pending. In recent years, other Indigenous groups have achieved significant milestones. For example, the Noongar people secured a native title settlement over an area covering Perth in 2021, and the Kaurna people were successful in their claim over an area including Adelaide in 2018.

The latest native title claim comes just a week after Victoria's controversial treaty passed through Parliament. While negotiations between the government and the Indigenous representative body will not begin until July 2026, the government plans to hold a public ratification with the First Peoples Assembly at Federation Square on December 12.

This legal action raises important questions about the future of Aboriginal rights and governance in Victoria. Could this monumental ruling spell new hope for native title claims across Australia? Is Victoria's groundbreaking treaty move set to redefine Aboriginal rights and governance? These are critical issues that continue to shape the landscape of Indigenous land rights in the region.