New home planned for Moree Local Aboriginal Land Council

Moree Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) is progressing plans to establish a new operating base after a successful Aboriginal land claim on Crown land on a former ambulance station site in the town.

Currently Moree LALC is based in leased premises in Auburn Street. The securing of an on-site building on a 0.10-hectare block of land in Frome Street will provide a new owned property from which the land council can operate, helping reduce its costs.

Moree LALC advises it has also secured a Community Fund grant from the NSW Aboriginal Land Council to assist with renovations of the building, including an office fit-out and access improvements.

The Aboriginal land claim was assessed by Crown Lands in the Department of Planning and Environment.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“Land claims can deliver fantastic results to local communities as land is not just a physical asset but also deeply connected to cultural identity and spiritual beliefs.”

“Crown Lands is working with the NSW Aboriginal Land Council and Local Aboriginal Land Councils to deliver tangible outcomes for Aboriginal communities and peoples.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“The NSW Aboriginal Land Council and Local Aboriginal Land Councils have a right to lodge land claims on Crown land under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 which are assessed to statutory criteria to determine if the land is lawfully used or occupied or needed for an essential public purpose.”

“If the land is not occupied or needed the claim can be granted, which supports the social, cultural, and economic wellbeing of Aboriginal communities.”

Moree Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Steve Mcintosh said:

“This land claim is good news as the Frome Street site and building will allow the land council to establish a new office space where we can continue our focus on growing opportunities to support local Aboriginal culture, business, entrepreneurs and development.”

“It’s a good size block and is located right in the centre of town near the Mehi River. The lease costs we will save from having our own building will allow extra funds to be put to other community uses.”