Cash-strapped Qld councils stuck in multimillion-dollar Native Title claims battle
There are calls for the state government to help cash-strapped Queensland councils deal with the costs of covering the multimillion-dollar Native Title claims. Vote in our poll.
Struggling Queensland councils desperately need state government cash to help cover the multimillion-dollar costs of dealing with Native Title claims.
Across the state there are 38 native title claims, with one over the Torres Strait lodged 24 years ago.
While many are uncontroversial, some over built-up areas and popular community spaces have forced councils to the negotiating table.
For eight years Redland City Council has battled to understand which of the 1300 parcels of land under the Quandamooka Coast claim area could be subject to a Native Title determination.
The process has already cost $2m of ratepayer money and the bill is expected to rise with a four-week hearing later this year.
Redlands council has determined a claim could exist on some 80 parcels of land – including Cleveland and Wellington Point reserves, Redland Performing Arts Centre and Cleveland Cemetery.
“Council has advocated to the Australian Government and Queensland Government for greater clarity and transparency surrounding Native Title claims, particularly where the claimant seeks exclusive possession of local government-controlled reserves, facilities, and community use areas,” a spokeswoman said.
“Having this clarity is important for the whole community, including Quandamooka peoples, so it can be fully understood where native title rights and interests can be exercised.
“The Australian Government revoked funding to parties responding to native title claims, including local governments, while funding for parties making Native Title claims has continued.”
Native Title does not affect private landholders, but recognises Indigenous peoples’ traditional ownership of lands and waters.
Last year the Kabi Kabi people were granted non-exclusive rights to a large swath of the Sunshine Coast, including parts of Caloundra, Noosa North Shore and Teewah Beach.
It followed a near 30-year application process which, traditional owner Brian Warner said, would not be noticeable by most Queenslanders.
However, Senator Pauline Hanson has called for the state government to provide financial assistance to cash-strapped councils to respond to Native Title applications.
She labelled the legal process “a burden that few, if any, regional Queensland councils can bear”.
“These claims are often very complex and can take years to resolve, resulting in huge legal costs for respondents. It’s simply not fair,” she said.
Local Government Association of Queensland chief executive officer Alison Smith called for the Commonwealth to reinstate its support scheme.
“Because local governments are automatically joined as respondents when a Native Title claim affecting the local government area is lodged in the Federal Court, it is critical that the Commonwealth reinstates the Financial Assistance Scheme… so local governments are able to access funding to participate in the claim process,” she said.
Local Government Minister Ann Leahy said the government was supporting councils, but wouldn’t say whether cash would be provided.
“While Labor walked away from supporting councils for a decade, the Crisafulli government is helping reduce red tape and costs to ensure they can deliver for their communities,” she said.
Ms Leahy said Senator Hanson should make her concerns known.
Originally published as Cash-strapped Qld councils stuck in multimillion-dollar Native Title claims battle