Kenbi land claim finalised after 45 years as parts of Cox Peninsula handed back to Larrakia
The Australian and Northern Territory governments have handed back the last parcels of land on the Cox Peninsula to the Kenbi Land Trust, and the Larrakia Development Corporation – marking an end to complex negotiations going on since 1979.
Indigenous Affairs
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One of Australia’s longest running land claims has been finalised after 45 years of negotiations, heralded as a historic moment for all Larrakia people.
The Australian and Northern Territory governments handed back the last parcels of land on the Cox Peninsula to the Kenbi Land Trust and the Larrakia Development Corporation on Thursday, marking an end to the Kenbi Land Claim.
Nigel Browne, chief executive of the Larrakia Development Corporation, said he was “more than pleased” to see the claim wrapped up.
“I was one year of age when the Kenbi Land Claim was filed in 1979, by my elders and other Larrakia people,” he said.
“With this transfer, we signal another step towards acknowledging Larrakia people’s connection to our country and our determination to continue advancing toward a very bright future.
“We are our ancestor’s dreams and I am proud to have played my part as Larrakia Development Corporation CEO and a Larrakia and Wulna traditional owner, in achieving this outcome for all Larrakia people.”
The Kenbi claim was first thought finalised in 2016, when then prime minister Malcolm Turnbull handed back about 52,000 hectares of land on the Cox Peninsula, opposite Darwin, to six Larrakia traditional owners.
However other Larrakia people disputed the claim, arguing they should have been recognised as primary traditional owners – prompting a lengthy court battle that was ultimately unsuccessful.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Steve Edgington said finalising the claim was a “historic moment”, and a tribute to the ongoing collaboration between the NT and federal governments, the Northern Land Council, the Larrakia people and traditional owners to resolve complex issues.
“Finalisation of the Kenbi Land Claim is a positive step for the Aboriginal landowners to progress commercial and land management initiatives for economic development and cultural outcomes,” he said.
As part of the hand back, the government secured ongoing access to the intertidal Aboriginal Waters of the Cox Peninsula, subject to the sacred site protections that came into force in 2016.
“The CLP government is also working closely the Northern Land Council and traditional owners to develop new designated camping areas with facilities for visitors along the beach,” Mr Edgington said.
Use of roads and the track to the WWII Bomber site will continue without a permit.
Camping is permitted on the Cox Peninsula in designated camping areas only.
The 2018 Kenbi Open Areas Declaration remains unchanged with public access to specific beaches and intertidal waters of Cox Peninsula and Bynoe Harbour continuing without a permit.
Access to or use of land not within the designated areas will require a permit obtained through the Northern Land Council.
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