Gold Coast Traditional Owners launched yet another Native Title claim for one of the nation's most sought-after pieces of land.
The claim also calls for a review of commercial development at the site in southern Quandamooka Country, otherwise known as ‘The Spit’.
Traditional Owners aspirations
The Kombumerri-NgarangWal Saltwater People have lodged a Native Title claim with the Federal Court to reaffirm their right to The Spit, which could soon be developed into a resort and second casino.
The Kombumerri-NgarangWal Saltwater People's claim states they want to reaffirm their "legitimate rights" to land, "the resident traditional owners of the broader Gold Coast lands and waterways at the southern end of Quandamooka Country''.
Senior Elders David Dillon and Anthony Dillon brought the case to the court on behalf of the Traditional Owner families with the intention to review the proposed $3 million development.
David Dillon told NITV News the site was a gathering place for Aboriginal people prior to colonisation, and that if Traditional Owners were able to determine the future of The Spit, Country would come first.
The objectives of the claim include creating an environmental park and joint management and economic opportunity.
“As for The Spit, we'd like to see it turn into a world-class park, full of nature for fauna and flora, [and] so on.”
“We do need some commercial development and with commercial development hopefully, we'll be able to reinvest that into the habitat."
David Dillon told NITV News that he would feel "relief" once the claim has been determined. Source: NITV
The push for Title
Traditional Owners first launched a Native Title claim over the site in May 1996.
“There’s been several other claims since then. None have reached determination," Mr Dillon told NITV News.
"In fact, one time set us back, there was negative determination. So it's been very disappointing, very frustrating.”
"Since 1996, we've lost quite a few Elders, and up-and-coming elders too. And we would like to finish this, we think we've been at this fight long enough. And it's time to finish it.”
Mr Dillon said that even if Native Title rights aren't granted, at least it would provide some closure to Traditional Owners.
“But at the end of the day, if we don't succeed with Native Title, at least then we finish with it, and that's a victory in itself, to be finished with it," he said.
