Native title claims are made through applications to the Federal Court or High Court of Australia. The members of the native title claim group seek a decision from the court that native title exists, so their rights and interests are recognised by the common law of Australia. This is called a native title determination.
For more information on earlier native title determinations, visit NNTT.
In 2017, 3 major native title claims were finalised.
Gumbaynggirr people
On 8 December 2017, the Federal Court made a consent determination that the Gumbaynggirr people have native title rights and interests over an area of land and waters at Wenonah Head, near Urunga, on the mid-north coast of NSW.
These native title rights are non-exclusive which means they exist alongside the rights of the public to continue to access and enjoy Jagun Nature Reserve, Wenonah Head recreation area, Crown waterways and the beach, and the rights of the government to effectively protect and manage those areas.
Download the Gumbaynggirr native title consent determination fact sheet (PDF, 218 KB) for more information.
Western Bundjalung people
On 29 August 2017, the Federal Court made a consent determination that the Western Bundjalung people have native title rights and interests over areas of land and water between Casino, Tenterfield and Grafton in the far north coast region of NSW.
These native title rights are non-exclusive which means that it doesn’t affect existing land users (including those that hold valid Crown land licences and permits) as long as the rights of the native title holders are respected.
Download the Western Bundjalung native title consent determination fact sheet (PDF, 126 KB) for more information.
Yaegl people, sea claim
On 31 August 2017, the Federal Court made a consent determination that the Yaegl people have native title rights and interests over waters located between Woody Head, Wooli and Ulmarra on the north coast of NSW.
The Yaegl people had their non-exclusive native title rights to land recognised in June 2015.
The native title rights over water are non-exclusive which means that members of the public can continue enjoy their recreational activities on and in these waters as long as the rights of the native title holders are respected.
Download the Yaegl native title consent determination fact sheet (PDF, 122 KB) for more information.
