Girramay People granted ownership of land near Cardwell

Published Wednesday, 22 January, 2014 at 11:15 AM

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines
The Honourable Andrew Cripps

The Queensland Government has granted Aboriginal freehold title to the Girramay People over more than two hectares of land at Murray Upper, north west of Cardwell.

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines and Member for Hinchinbrook, Andrew Cripps, today formally handed over the title deed for two parcels of freehold land at a ceremony in Cardwell.

“The Newman Government acknowledges the importance of land ownership for indigenous communities,” Mr Cripps said.

“Providing freehold title to individuals in Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities also helps in delivering our election commitment to provide opportunities for Indigenous Queenslanders to own their own home.”

Mr Cripps said the Girramay Land Holding Aboriginal Corporation would hold the title deed to the land, located at Murray Upper and totalling 2.137 hectares, for the benefit of the Girramay People.

“The handing over of this title recognises the connection and relationship the Girramay People have with the land in the local area,” he said.

“The Girramay People will now have responsibility to manage and use the land for current and future generations.”

Mr Cripps said the Girramay People had participated in extensive land tenure negotiations with the State over lands at Murray Upper, Bilyana and Cardwell.

“Throughout the negotiations, the Girramay People considered the needs of the broader community, as well as those of local aboriginal people,” he said.

“As the local member as well as the responsible Minister, it is rewarding for me to be involved in a significant day for people and families I have grown up with in my local community."

“Granting Aboriginal freehold title can unlock potential social, cultural and economic benefits for indigenous communities.”

In December the Queensland Government invited interested parties to provide feedback on the draft Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Land (Providing Freehold) Amendment Bill 2013.

Any comment should be provided by 5pm, Friday 31 January 2014 and can be submitted by emailing IndigenousLandServices@dnrm.qld.gov.au, or by post to: Director, Policy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land Services PO Box 2454 Brisbane Q 4001.

[ENDS] 22 January 2014

Media contact: Kate Haddan 0418 373 516 or Eleisha Rogers 0413 375 088