Landmark native title win approaches one year anniversary

See how a landmark decision has quietly reshaped the Sunshine Coast over the past year.

Kabi Kabi native title art

Nearly one year on from the landmark native title win encompassing the Sunshine Coast, these are the biggest milestones and changes that have taken place within the past 12 months.

The landmark decision in the Federal Court, which was handed down on June 18, 2024, recognised the Kabi Kabi people as the traditional custodians of more than 365,000 hectares of land.

For the Sunshine Coast, the decision meant the Kabi Kabi people were able to join with the Jinibarra people, who won native title for certain areas of the region in 2012.

The land included in the Federal Court decision ranges from Elimbah Creek to Sandstone Point, Bribie Island, Cooloola National Park, Curra State Forest, Mary River, and the Isis River.

Kabi Kabi commitment

In September, at the Noosa Council’s ordinary meeting, councillors unanimously voted to adopt and sign the Kabi Kabi Commitment, put together by the Kabi Kabi Peoples Aboriginal Corporation.

According to the report submitted to the council, the “transformative potential” of the commitment with the Kabi Kabi people will mean the traditional owners of Noosa have the ability to co-manage the region and influence the future actions of the council.

The report stated the recent Native Title Determination, handed down in the Federal Court, meant the council had a duty to support the Kabi Kabi people.

“With the recent Native Title Determination, Kabi Kabi now have recognised rights and interests to Country that come from their traditional laws and customs,” the report stated.

“This imparts a duty to recognise and support Kabi Kabi Peoples, Country and culture, as the First Nation and First Peoples of Noosa.”

Kabi Kabi people celebrating after the native title ruling, Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston

New cultural tourism permit

At the Sunshine Coast Council’s ordinary meeting in April this year, a reviewed commercial activity policy was put to councillors including a new cultural tourism permit.

The policy will mean that tourism operators looking to run First Nations cultural experiences on the Sunshine Coast must be run by or in partnership with Kabi Kabi or Jinibarra peoples to receive a permit from the council.

According to the policy outline the new permit category would grow First Nations tourism in the region.

“The inclusion of the Cultural Tourism permit category aims to grow First Nations cultural tourism on the Sunshine Coast, in line with objections under the Regional Economic Development Strategy and Reconciliation Action Plan,” the policy document stated.

The new policy comes after the council’s appeal to be exempt from anti discrimination laws was dismissed by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal in December 2021.

The council’s assessment stated the permit criteria was justified in order to create equity in the commercial policy.

“Any perceivable limitations on human rights are considered justified, due to the need to deliver a more contemporary, community responsive and equitable policy platform for the future,” the assessment stated.

The policy review was ultimately passed by the council.

Originally published as Landmark native title win approaches one year anniversary