A major Native Title council has been dealt a devastating legal blow after a Federal Court judge dismissed its claim to a vast area of land, resulting in the loss of approximately 3,500 individual plots.
The ruling represents a significant setback for Indigenous land rights in the region, stripping the council of its recognised connection to the territory. The case, which has been closely watched, hinged on the council's ability to prove its continuous cultural ties to the land in question.
Justice Greenwood found that the evidence presented was insufficient to meet the stringent legal requirements for a successful Native Title claim under Australian law. This decision effectively extinguishes the council's right to control, access, or negotiate over the use of this land, which may now be opened for other development.
Community leaders have expressed profound disappointment and anger at the verdict, labelling it a painful erosion of their heritage. They argue that the legal system fails to adequately recognise and protect the deep, enduring spiritual connection their people have to the country.
A spokesperson for the council stated that they are already preparing an urgent appeal, vowing to fight the decision in a higher court. They emphasised that the battle for recognition is far from over and called for broader support from the public and legal experts.
The outcome is expected to have far-reaching implications for other pending Native Title claims across Australia, potentially setting a challenging precedent for other Indigenous groups seeking to assert their rights over traditional lands.
