An aboriginal group has filed a native title claim over a huge swathe of Victoria covering the whole city of Melbourne and much of the surrounding region.
The 10,420-square-kilometre claim was made by the “Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people” for an area reaching from the Werribee River in the west, including the Macedon Ranges in the north, to the Yarra Valley and Mount Baw Baw in the east, Mordialloc Creek in the south, and the top of Port Phillip Bay.
If successful, a native title determination will give the aboriginal group power over decisions relating to public land and water use, and rights to protect areas of so-called cultural significance and be consulted over use of those areas.
The Federal Court claim is supported by Premier Jacinta Allan, who last month signed a controversial and unpopular treaty with Victoria’s aboriginal people, and was filed with the assistance of Labor-aligned law firm Slater and Gordon, ABC News reported.
“This is a positive thing for traditional owner groups to come to their determination that they are ready to take this step,” Ms Allan said.
“It provides for that connection between country and waters for traditional owners.”
Perry Wandin from the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung group said they had “fought for decades for recognition and respect and have been at the forefront of protecting culture and country in Melbourne and surrounds” and “want the waterways, the land to be looked after”.
“Native title is us not taking over … but being able to control Crown land. We want to be traditional owners of Melbourne, of Naarm as we know it.”
Another spokesperson, Di Kerr, told The Guardian: “We want to have partnerships with governments and Parks Victoria so we can co-manage and look after that country.”
But many everyday Australians reacted to the claim with anger and disbelief, calling it a land grab.
“Just days after the Victorian government signs treaty with aboriginal supremacists They attempt to claim to all of our land,” wrote one man on X.
“Who didn’t see this coming? Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung traditional owners have filed a native title claim over Melbourne and surrounding regions. The claim comes a week after Jacinta Allan legislated Treaty without a clear mandate from the people of Victoria,” said another popular post about the claim.
The claim comes after different aboriginal groups were granted exclusive possession of over thousands of square kilometres in northwestern Victoria, meaning anyone else seeking to access the exclusive native title areas will be required to seek permission from the so-called traditional owners.
Header image: The native title claim area (Slater and Gordon).
