An Indigenous group claiming Native Title on one of Australia’s best-known tropical islands says they are not ‘anti-development’ but want to clean up an abandoned tourist resort that has become an environmental hazard and eyesore.
The Queensland government is fighting the Woppaburra people’s claim to Great Keppel Island off Central Queensland’s Capricorn Coast, claiming if they lose it would jeopardize a $30 million tourism development plan.
However, Fred Saunders, chairman of the Woppaburra Saltwater Aboriginal Corporation, said the claim was not about “locking up” the favorite holiday destination, but rather about preserving the 9.1 square kilometer island paradise.
“Our main goal is to take care of the people and the country,” he told the newspaper Courier mail.
“We protect our sacred lands and will maintain our cultural responsibilities, but the Woppaburra people do not like restriction, anti-development and land enclosure.
“We are committed to sustainable environmental approaches to protect the beauty of the island and make it an attractive destination for all visitors.”
Mr Saunders said one of the biggest concerns is the rotting rubble left behind by former resort operator Tower Holdings, which the state government last year reclaimed ownership over unpaid $900,000 rent.
The Woppaburra People said in a statement that the site needed urgent attention, but it did not receive it.
The Woppaburra people are making a bid for Native Title over an abandoned resort on Great Keppel Island
The resort site closed in 2007 and remained leased to former operator Tower Holdings until returning to the Queensland Government last year
“Since the resort closed in 2007, the then new owners have failed to remove the debris, make the site safe, initiate any enterprise to rehabilitate the island or restore any confidence in a viable future,” the statement said.
‘The environment and infrastructure on the island have deteriorated to such an extent that visitor numbers have declined and local businesses have suffered.
“We have a duty to work to improve this situation.”
In 2021, the Woppaburra people were recognized as the native title holders of 570 square kilometers of land and sea off the coast of Yeppoon, but that did not include the resort area, which they can now claim.
“By claiming the additional area that became available to them, Woppaburra people aim to increase their chances of a sustainable and environmentally sensitive future for future generations of Woppaburra people,” their statement said.
‘The area of the lease covering the former resort which has fallen into disrepair is unused and is reportedly causing environmental damage.’
The Queensland Government said it will challenge the claim for an extension of Native Title on Great Keppel Island
The Woppaburra People said they will continue to support the state government’s $30 million Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Concept Master Plan, which was released in April.
However, Resources Minister Scott Stewart told the Courier-Mail that the government would dispute the new claim.
“A previous ruling has already ruled that parts of Great Keppel Island have had their native title lapse,” he said.
“As a defendant to the claim, the government is asked to provide its views and challenge the claim regarding the extinguished areas.”
The claim to the Native Title property has yet to be formally filed in federal court.
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