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

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…
Wild NSW storms kill one man and leave 100,000 in the dark

Severe NSW Storms Claim Life and Leave 100,000 Without Power

In New South Wales, over 100,000 homes and businesses are still without…
Photos of the City of Sydney's planter boxes in George Street.

Council’s $20M Planter Box Expenditure Sparks Outrage: A Look into the Costly Urban Greening Initiative

The City of Sydney council is facing scrutiny after it spent a…
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…
WA councillor who tried to expense a drink at Adelaide strip club resigns

WA Councillor Resigns Amid Controversy Over Attempted Expense Claim at Adelaide Strip Club

A councillor from Western Australia has stepped down after admitting to an…
A phone showing a text from a gambling company to a customer.

Potentially Harmful Text Messages Rapidly Inundating Phones Across Australia

More than three million Australians who identify themselves as problem or at-risk…

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

Ash plumes from a volcanic eruption in Ethiopia have covered parts of…

Zelenskyy Highlights Potential for Deeper Agreements with Revised US Peace Plan Principles

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday the “principles” of a revised…
Lauren Darul had been seeking bail after she was charged with recklessly and intentionally causing injury.

Melbourne CBD Stabbing Suspect Denied Bail Again: Latest Courtroom Drama Unfolds

An individual accused of a random stabbing incident on a city street,…

Understanding the Cartel de los Soles: Why the U.S. Labeled It a Terror Organization

US President Donald Trump has designated Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles a…
An inquest into the Sea World helicopter crash has been shown several videos of the moment the aircraft collided.

Inquest Reveals Absence of Routine Drug Testing for Pilots Prior to Sea World Crash

The tragic helicopter collision at the Gold Coast, which claimed the lives…

Labor’s Strategic Nature Law Adjustments Aim to Secure Crucial Greens and Coalition Backing

Labor has unveiled its final pitch to both the Greens and the…