The NSW Government says it is working to approve more Aboriginal land claims to support social, cultural, and economic benefits for Aboriginal communities.
The celebration of NAIDOC Week this week follows last month’s 40th anniversary of the commencement of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983. So far in 2022/23, Crown Lands has assessed 596 land claims with 403 granted in whole or in part and 3,932 hectares of land returned to 56 different Aboriginal land councils, including 88.5 hectares of bushland, formerly part of Kingsgate Mines, bordering the Yarrow River will be returned to Glen Innes Local Aboriginal Land Council.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris says the NSW Aboriginal Land Council and Local Aboriginal Land Councils have a right to lodge land claims under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983.
“If the land is not occupied or needed the claim can be granted, which supports the social, cultural, and economic wellbeing of Aboriginal communities,” he said.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper says Crown Lands is working closely with the NSW Aboriginal Land Council and Local Aboriginal Land Councils to deliver tangible outcomes.
“These land claims have delivered fantastic results to local communities across the state, as land is not just a physical asset but also deeply connected to cultural identity and spiritual beliefs.”
Since 10 June 1983, a total of 4,396 land claims have been granted or part granted by Crown Lands and 168,438 hectares of land has been returned to Aboriginal land councils.
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