An indigenous group claiming native title over one of Australia’s best-known tropical islands says it is not “against development” but wants to clean up an abandoned resort that has become an environmental hazard and eyesore.
The Queensland government is fighting the Woppaburra people’s claim to Great Keppel Island off the Capricorn Coast in central Queensland, saying that if they lose it would put a $30 million tourism development plan at risk.
However, Woppaburra Saltwater Aboriginal Corporation president Fred Saunders said the claim was not about “blocking” the favorite holiday destination but about preserving the 9.1 square kilometer island paradise.
“Our main objective is to take care of the people and the country,” he told mail.
‘We protect our sacred areas and will uphold our cultural responsibilities, but Woppaburra people do not care about restriction, anti-development and land blocking.
“We are committed to sustainable environmental approaches to safeguard the beauty of the island and make it an attractive destination for all visitors.”
Saunders said one of the main concerns was the rotting rubble left behind by former tourism operator Tower Holdings, which the state government repossessed last year for unpaid rent of $900,000.
The Woppaburra Town said in a statement the site needed urgent attention, which it did not receive.
Woppaburra people are bidding for native title over an abandoned resort on Great Keppel Island
The complex closed in 2007 and remained leased to former operator Tower Holdings until it returned to the Queensland government last year.
“Since the closure of the complex in 2007, the then new owners have failed to clear the rubble, make the site safe, initiate any projects to rehabilitate the island or restore confidence in a viable future,” the statement said.
‘The island’s environment and infrastructure have deteriorated to the point that visitation has reduced and local businesses have suffered.
“We have the obligation to work to improve this situation.”
In 2021, the Woppaburra people were recognized as holding native title to 570 square kilometers of land and sea off the Yeppoon coast, but that did not include the resort area, which they can now claim.
“By reclaiming the additional area made available to them, Woppaburra People aim to increase their opportunities for a sustainable and environmentally sensitive future for future generations of Woppaburra People,” their statement reads.
“The lease area relating to the former complex is decaying, unused and reportedly causing environmental damage.”
The Queensland government has said it will fight the claim for an extension of native title over Great Keppel Island.
The Woppaburra people said they will continue to support the State Government’s $30 million Conceptual Master Plan for Great Keppel Island (Woppa) released in April.
However, Resources Minister Scott Stewart told the Courier-Mail the government would contest the new claim.
“Parts of Great Keppel Island have already been ruled to have extinguished native title in a previous ruling,” he said.
“As a defendant, the government will be asked to give its opinion and challenge the claim regarding the defunct areas.”
The native title claim has not yet been formally lodged in the Federal Court.
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