Controversy Surrounds Indigenous Bid for Freehold Ownership on K’gari, Queensland Australia
News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh/25th June 2024
Local residents on K’gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, are expressing outrage over what they describe as a secretive land acquisition move by an Indigenous corporation. The Butchulla people, who already hold native title over much of K’gari and lease 30 hectares, have applied for freehold ownership of five square kilometers encompassing the townships of Eurong and Happy Valley under the Aboriginal Land Act.
The dispute erupted after locals claimed they were blindsided by news of the impending land transfer at a recent meeting involving the Department of Resources, Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation, and Fraser Coast Council. Fraser Island Association president David Anderson alleged that the initiative stemmed from an administrative oversight dating back to the 1960s, which failed to officially designate the township reserves for Eurong and Happy Valley.
Under Australian law, native title claims can only be made on vacant Crown land not designated for another purpose. Anderson voiced concerns that non-Indigenous residents and tourists might face restricted access to the newly claimed area, alleging that the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation had suggested they could be viewed as trespassers.
“The Butchulla want more land beyond what they already possess under native title, which covers the majority of the island. It feels like they’re asking for too much,” Anderson remarked to the Courier Mail.
Happy Valley Community Association secretary Scott Bell echoed Anderson’s sentiments, labeling the process as a secretive deal that surfaced unexpectedly. He criticized the Butchulla for making claims on police and education reserves, as well as the esplanade, potentially restricting public access to the beach and recreational areas.
In response, a Department of Resources spokesperson refuted claims of a finalized agreement, asserting that the recent meeting aimed to update the community on ongoing discussions. Bell, however, hinted at potential legal action if the land transfer proceeds without satisfactory community consultation.
The controversy on K’gari mirrors similar disputes elsewhere in Queensland, notably on Great Keppel Island. Recently, the Woppaburra people sought exclusive possession rights over nine lots totaling nine square kilometers, triggering a legal challenge from the Queensland government. The claim, still in its pre-notification stage, follows a prior recognition of Woppaburra native title rights over a smaller area near Yeppoon.
The Woppaburra’s quest for control includes the site of a former resort operated by Contiki, which ceased operations in 2008 and was subsequently demolished in 2018. The termination of the resort’s lease in 2023 allowed the Woppaburra people to expand their native title claim to encompass this strategic land reserve.
The Queensland government’s response underscores ongoing tensions between Indigenous land rights and local community interests, highlighting the complexities of balancing heritage preservation with economic development and public access in Australia’s coastal regions.
