Pilot program helps Indigenous freeholding

Indigenous Queenslanders are a step closer to being able to own their own land with the launch of a pilot project that will assess how new laws can help the communities.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs Glen Elmes has called for expressions of interest from the state’s Indigenous communities to test the new freeholding process to identify any potential complications.

“The Queensland Government created an Australian first by giving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities the right to develop freehold title on their communal lands, but it won’t be a simple choice for communities,” Mr Elmes said.

“The legislation was developed after extensive consultation across the state’s 34 rural and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“Connection with land is an important issue for Indigenous communities, so we want to be sure there are no unintended consequences or unforeseen issues with providing freehold.

“That’s why we are offering the opportunity for two communities who are actively interested in making freehold available to ‘test run’ the process to ensure it works as expected.

“Expressions of interest are open from today for communities who want to put a toe in the water to see if freeholding is right for them.

“The Queensland Government is providing $150,000 for the Freehold Pilot Project.

“An important aspect of the legislation is that no community will be compelled to make freehold available if it doesn’t want to, and that it benefits those who want to.

“This is part of the Queensland Government’s strong plan for a more secure economic future for Indigenous Queenslanders through the provision of economic opportunity.”

Mr Elmes said expressions of interest for the pilot project would be open till 1 December.

The new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander freeholding legislation will come into effect from 1 January 2015.

[ENDS] 19 September 2014

Media Contact: Peter McCarthy 0408 835 548