Traditional owners have lodged a native title claim over Melbourne and surrounding regions, covering thousands of square kilometres from the Werribee River mouth to the Great Dividing Range, east to Mount Baw Baw, and south through Bunyip to Mordialloc Creek. The claim, filed with the federal court on Friday, also includes significant waterways such as parts of the Yarra, Maribyrnong and Plenty rivers, the northern section of Port Phillip Bay, and the historic Coranderrk Aboriginal reserve.
Di Kerr, a Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung elder, said the process was about “ensuring our connection to country is recognised in law, as it has always existed in truth”. She emphasised a desire for partnership: “We want to walk together … have partnerships with governments and Parks Victoria so we can co-manage and look after that country.”
If successful, it would be the eighth native title determination in Victoria and the third covering a capital city, following the Kaurna people’s recognition over Adelaide in 2018 and the Noongar settlement over Perth and south-west Western Australia. The application is an early step in what can be a decades-long process; native title would recognise rights to access, use and protect crown land in line with traditional laws and customs, along with consultation rights.
Native title applies only to crown land and does not affect private property, businesses or public infrastructure. The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung hope to negotiate management or co-administration of parks and conservation areas, including parts of the Dandenong Ranges, Bunyip State Park, Wombat State Forest and Lerderderg State Park. Six other native title applications are before the federal court in Victoria, covering most of the state.
Elder Perry Wandin noted that claims often raise fears about property, but said the aim is collaboration: “Wurundjeri people have fought for decades for recognition and respect … It is now time for the traditional lore and customs of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people to be recognised.” The claim comes a week after Victoria became the first Australian state to pass a formal treaty with Aboriginal people.
