A large parcel of land near Drake Village has been returned to the local Aboriginal community following a successful land claim.
More than 100 hectares of Crown land across two blocks at the western edge of the village will be returned as freehold land to the ownership of Jubullum Local Aboriginal Land Council following the land claim by the NSW Local Aboriginal Land Council.
Under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983, Local Aboriginal Land Councils and the NSW Aboriginal Land Council have a right to lodge land claims on Crown land.
Jubullum Local Aboriginal Land Council chief executive Michelle Nagas said the approval of the land claim is very exciting.
“It involves a substantial block of land close to Drake Village which provides strong opportunities. We will have discussions with the land council and consultations with the community on future use of the site,” Ms Nagas said.
State MP Janelle Saffin said with the “return of this land, we pay our respects to the Traditional Owners, the Ngarabal people, alongside the Jukembal, Bundjalung, Kamilaroi, Githabul and Wahlubul peoples who share a connection to the area.”
State Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said returning land to Aboriginal people provides tangible economic, social and cultural benefits to Aboriginal and broader communities.
“We are pleased to see a positive resolution for this land,” Mr Kamper said.
The information in this report was provided by the office of Janelle Saffin MP.
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