Share this @internewscast.com


The Federal Court of Australia has formally recognised the Guugu Yimidhirr, Yiithuwarra, and Wuthathi Peoples as the Traditional Owners of approximately 915,000 hectares of land in Cape York.

This week, significant hearings were conducted in Cooktown and Cairns, drawing attention to pivotal historical campaigns by the Wuthathi Elders.

The decision is a significant development in the legal recognition of Indigenous land rights in the region, which has a strong history of organising by the Guugu Yimidhirr, Yiithuwarra, and Wuthathi peoples.

During the 1970s, the Wuthathi Elders were at the forefront of opposition against industrial projects threatening their lands, including sand-mining in Shelburne Bay and a proposed space base at Cape Flattery. Their efforts marked a crucial period of environmental and cultural advocacy.

These efforts contributed to the formation of the Cape York Land Council (CYLC) in 1990.
Now, more than three decades later, the Federal Court has affirmed the unbroken connection of these communities to their traditional lands.
The determination follows extensive negotiations with the State of Queensland, local councils, and private entities.
Richie Ah Mat, Acting CEO of the Cape York Land Council, emphasised the significance of the ruling.
“This recognition reflects the resilience and unity of our people, who have fought for land rights for generations,” he said in a statement.

Community Elders have expressed a profound sense of relief and satisfaction at the justice delivered after years of perseverance.

“This recognition affirms what our families have always known – that we are the Traditional Owners of this Country,” said Guugu Yimidhirr Elder Erica Deeral.
“After all these years, it feels good to know our hard work wasn’t in vain,” added Yiithuwarra Elder Hans Pearson.
Clara Day, Chair of the Cape York Land Council, acknowledged the contributions of past generations, many of whom did not live to see the outcome.

One Elder highlighted that this resolution might pave the way for meaningful collaboration among Indigenous communities, local industries, and conservation initiatives, fostering a more sustainable future.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Ross Greig reacted quickly when his Brooklyn Park, Adelaide apartment complex went up in flames.

Brave Local Resident Leads Early Morning Evacuation During Apartment Complex Fire, Ensuring Safety of All

An Adelaide resident is being celebrated as a hero after he courageously…

US Judge Officially Dismisses Criminal Charges Against Former FBI Director James Comey

A federal judge has dismissed the criminal cases brought against former FBI…
Shoppers in a supermarket in Sydney.

Rate Cut Hopes Dashed: What’s Next for Borrowers?

Inflation has jumped once again, all but putting the final nail in…

NSW on High Alert: Intensifying Heat and Winds Heighten Bushfire Threat

Thousands of people are facing the most severe bushfire danger conditions since…
Doddie Weir died in November 2022 aged 52 after a six-year battle with motor neurone disease

Rising Legacy: Doddie Weir’s Son Leads Scotland in Pioneering Fundraising Challenge

His father was a remarkable rugby talent, securing an impressive 61 caps…

Historic Eruption of Ethiopian Volcano Disrupts Asia Flight Routes, Causing Widespread Cancellations

Ash plumes from a volcanic eruption in Ethiopia have covered parts of…
Missing four-year-old Gus

Former Detective Provides Insight into Renewed Search Efforts for Missing Gus Lamont

As a new search for missing boy Gus Lamont enters its second…

Breaking: Optus Blames Vandals for Massive Network Disruption – What You Need to Know

An act of vandalism has caused the latest significant Optus outage, affecting…
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours.

Intense Thunderstorms and Hail Expected to Sweep Across NSW

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for various…
A crime scene has been declared as police search for the alleged attackers.

Teen Charged in Fatal Stabbing: Second 15-Year-Old Arrested in Murder Case

A tragic development has unfolded in Sydney’s north-west, as a second 15-year-old…
Vandals are believed to have caused today's Optus' Triple-Zero outage that affected more than 14,500 services. 

Vandalism Strikes: Massive Optus Outage Disrupts Services for Over 14,500 Customers

More than 14,500 Optus customers residing south of Melbourne experienced service interruptions…
19 year old teenager arrested after allegedly trying to import $14.8 million of meth into Australia from Canada. He told authorities a stranger on social media paid him $3500 to import what he was told were vapes.

Teen Unwittingly Caught in International Drug Smuggling: 16kg Meth Bust Shocks Australia

A teenager from Canberra is potentially facing a life sentence after being…