Owners traditionally file a native title claim in Melbourne and surrounding regions.
The claim of the WUNUNJERI WOI-WURRU people covers thousands of kilometers of kilometers, from the head basket south of Bunyipoc and West to Mordaallc Creek.
It also contains important waterways including parts of the yarra, maribyrnong and many creeks, and the northern section of Port Philip Bay. The area around Corenerrk, an Aboriginal reserve established by the Victorian government in 1863, was deemed a key area of self-determination by the Federal Court on Friday.
It comes a week after Victoria became the first state in Australia to pass into law a formal treaty with Aboriginal people.
Di Kerr, a Wurundjeri wurrung Elder, said the process was about “ensuring our connection to the nation as recognized by law, as it has always been in reality”.
“We’re very proud that this process is happening, and we want to walk together,” Kerr said. “We don’t want to be isolated. We want to have a partnership with the governments and parks Victoria so we can control and look after that country.”
If successful, this would be the eighth determination of the title determined to be given in Victoria and the third involving a capital city. The KAurnas were recognized as the indigenous people of Adelaide in 2018, after an 18-year battle; And the Noongar Native Title Settlement in Western Australia covers the entire southwest corner of the state, including Perth.
Filing the application in the Federal Court is an early step in what is often a lengthy process. If native title is granted, the rights of the Wurundjeri WOI-WUFRU-WURRU-WURUR to access, use and protect the land in accordance with their laws and customs will be recognized, along with the right to be consulted.
Sign up: AU Breaking News Email
People’s title only applies to crown land and does not affect private homes, businesses or public infrastructure. As it has limited coverage within metropolitan areas.
The WURUNJERI WOI-WUFRU people hope to negotiate the transfer of management, or participation in the administration, of some parks and conservation areas in the area. This may include parts of the Dandenong Ranges, Bunyip State Park, Fourt Wombat Stepet Forest and Lorderder State Park.
There are currently six other native title applications before the Federal Court in Victoria, which together cover most of the state.
WURUNJERI WOI-WURRung Elry Perry Wandin said that when native title claims were launched, “everyone thought their properties would come”. But he said their goal is to actually work with the government and communities to open up and restore the land.
“The Wurundjeri people have been fighting for decades for recognition and respect and to further protect the culture and country of Melbourne and surrounds,” he said.
“The courts have recognized seven more groups in Victoria. Now is the time for the traditional lore and customs of the Wurundjeri people to be recognized.”