NSW Government to transfer Goat Island back to Aboriginal community

The state government will spend $43 million on an important alteration to the iconic Sydney Harbour.

A heritage listed island in the heart of Sydney Harbour is in the process of being transferred back to the Aboriginal community.

The NSW Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Me-Mel (Goat Island) Transfer Committee.

A plan is being worked out to remediate and restore Me-Mel, with $43m committed to the transfer arrangements.

NSW Premier Chris Minns says the state was taking ‘another step towards transferring’ Me-Mel back to the Aboriginal community. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

NSW Premier Chris Minns said it was a proud moment for the state to take “another step towards transferring” Me-Mel back to the Aboriginal community.

“The island will be a symbol of reconciliation in the heart of Sydney Harbour,” Mr Minns said.

“We are listening to the Aboriginal community through this process.

“That is what the signing of this agreement is all about.

“I thank the previous government and its former premiers for their commitment to this project over many years.

“We are proud to continue this work with the committee.”

Today, we begin the historic process of transferring Me-Mel (Goat Island) back to Aboriginal ownership.

Turning this island into a symbol of reconciliation in the heart of Sydney Harbour. pic.twitter.com/hcG6sWb0oo

— Chris Minns (@ChrisMinnsMP) June 30, 2023

The 14-member committee is made up of key Aboriginal representatives, along with NSW Government representatives from the Cabinet Office, Aboriginal Affairs NSW and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

It’s purpose will be to identify options for the transfer, develop recommendations for cultural, tourism and public uses of the site, and provide advice on the management of the site.

A strategic business case will also be developed to be considered by the NSW Government.

Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty Minister David Harris says the transfer committee will play an important role. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

“This diverse committee plays a crucial role in advising government on how the transfer of Me Mel to Aboriginal community could work,” NSW Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty Minister David Harris said.

“We will look to the results of this important research project and to the Aboriginal people for what happens next.”

Me-Mel (Goat Island) in Sydney Harbour will be transferred back to the Aboriginal community. Picture: Getty

The Aboriginal community, the broader public and other stakeholders will be consulted on the plans for future ownership and management options.

A Registered Aboriginal Owners research project has also been approved which aims to identify Aboriginal Owners of Me Mel, and will start this year.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service is also undertaking a large-scale remediation and conservation program of the island’s built assets, as part of the transfer process.

NSW Premier Chris Minns is joined by members of the Me-Mel (formerly Goat Island) Transfer Committee. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe says the transfer is long overdue. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said the Me-Mel transfer is” many years in the making”.

“It represents a genuine cultural collaboration,” Ms Sharpe said.

“I look forward to the recommendations from the Committee”.