‘Gem’ of land in Bass Coast is set to be returned to Traditional Owners

For the first time in 180 years, a prime piece of Bass Coast land will be given back to Traditional Owners.

A “gem” of land in Bass Coast will be transferred back to the Traditional Owners in the first land hand back in 180 years.

The 8ha property at Rhyll, Millowl, or Phillip Island as it is more commonly known, will be transferred to the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, who are working with Trust for Nature to conserve, restore and maintain the land.

Trust for Nature is a not-for-profit organisation in Victoria which protects native plants and wildlife in co-operation with private landowners.

The land, was donated to Trust for Nature in 2020 and one of the most significant sites for migratory birds in Australia.

The land, which is part of the Rhyll Inlet, is a richly biodiverse area and is recognised as a globally significant wetland under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

The handback will not impact access to any of the nearby walking trails.

A gem of land in Bass Coast will be transferred back to the traditional owners in the first land hand back to Bunurong Traditional Owners in 180 years.

An agreement between the Bunurong Land Council and Trust for Nature includes 12 months access and management rights followed by a title transfer in 2023.

Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation chair Kelly Lehmann said this was an “amazing opportunity” for the Bunurong people.

“Through this land we can further support our future generations in learning culture and Caring for Country. The Bunurong Land Council is proud to be able to support Bunurong people now and into the future, so we can thrive to establish a better future including opportunities like this for our mob,” she said.

The plants and animals on the property will also have lifetime protection as there is a conservation covenant on it which ensures their protection, no matter who owns the land.

Trust for Nature chair Gayle Austen said the transfer helped to deliver on land justice, which goes hand-in-hand with reconciliation.

“Trust for Nature is committed to contributing to a just, equitable and reconciled Australia,” Ms Austen said.

The land is eight hectares.

“This property is not large but it is a gem, rich with birdlife and with cultural significance for Traditional Owners. We are proud to be working alongside the Bunurong people, including both elders and young Bunurong environmental land managers, to complete the 12 month transition and return this important piece of Rhyll Inlet to its Traditional Owners.”

Trust for Nature Port Phillip Manager Ben Cullen said this moment has been a long time coming.

“With a close partnership with the Bunurong People, we have been able to create an opportunity that will give title back to Traditional Owners and protect the site forever.”