What you said about Keppel Island native title fight

Native title remains the hottest of hot topics in Queensland – and another firestorm is brewing. HAVE YOUR SAY

Great Keppel Island resort is under threat.

• Qld’s native title battles

Native title remains the hottest of hot topics in Queensland after the government confirmed it would fight the Great Keppel-Woppa Island Native Title claim to keep ownership of the resort.

National Native Tribunal documents show the claim by the Woppaburra People requesting exclusive use of the 9km/sq island, including the former resort site and airstrip has been officially accepted and will now move to the registration test, allowing the Woppaburra People to enter negotiations with the government.

The government confirmed it will continue the previous Labor government’s efforts to contest the claim to exclude the resort and airstrip area which has been earmarked for redevelopment.

If an agreement cannot be reached, the two parties will be forced to pursue legal avenues.

Woppaburra traditional owners were granted exclusive use over parts of Great Keppel-Woppa Island in 2021 and were formally recognised as the Native Title holders of 570 sq/km of land and sea off the coast of Yeppoon.

Great Keppel Island is in the middle of a native title battle.

However, this area did not include the island resort formerly operated by Contiki due to an existing private lease held by former resort operator Tower Holdings.

The once popular tourist spot was abandoned by Tower Holdings during the 2008 Global Financial Crisis and has since become an eyesore.

News of the fight sparked fury among readers; many claimed native title has become a mess.

Others insisted it’s time for change.

See what you had to say below and join the conversation >>>

WHAT YOU SAID

This won’t work

Debbie

I can remember going to the Cape over 20yrs ago and the resort near the tip had been given to the aboriginals and was closed went back 10yrs later nothing had been done to it, it has been left to rot. The same thing would happen.

Dave

Albanese and Miles claimed that All Australians would still have access to these lands when they were handed over. Their lies are being exposed daily to show how the VOICE and TREATIES were going to work in reality and how divisive that they were.

Geoff

How long do you have to occupy a piece of land for it to be considered “native Title”? Remember this island has Not been occupied for many years

Koala Steve

When is this BS to end… Albo’s Labor Government is responsible for His failed YES vote will haunt Australia for ever Vote Labor out in 2025

Damaged and run-down Great Keppel Island resort.

I’ve had enough

Ted

Give them the land and NO MORE WELFARE!! Can’t have it both ways - is that correct each-way albo??

Katherine

If the “indigenous people” want the land to live “traditional lives” let them have it, but take away all their benefits, no more public housing, no more Centrelink hand outs. They simply can’t have it both ways!!

Neville

After the Mabo decision everyone were assured hand on heart that it would not lead to large land claims by indigenous groups. Well we fell for that one didn’t we.

Kat

When does this nonsense stop.

Here’s an idea...

Derek

Maybe native title should be awarded only after agreement by all of the people who are ceding their land to a small group of australians.

Nuclear Denier

During 2025 Queensland will secede and become a constitutional monarchy with Sir Peter Dutton as the Governor General. Townsville is renamed Boganvillia and becomes the new capital of Kingsland. Late in 2025, a referendum in Kingsland sees the area south of Noosa returning to Australia as a part of NSW.

Ian

Wherever there is potential for Tourism Dollars, there arises a claim for Native Title, or it’s suddenly a “sacred site.” This whole Native Title and “exclusive use” is becoming a farce.

Peter

Instead of taking legal action to defend against native title claims the LNP should legislate so it isn’t necessary. They are the government not the opposition.

Originally published as What you said about Keppel Island native title fight