Quandamooka native title claim passes stage one

The claim has been registered by the National Native Title Tribunal just ahead of National Reconciliation Week which starts Saturday and has the theme “let’s take the next steps”.

Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Cameron Costello, said registration of the claim was another big step for Quandamooka people who looked forward to working with locals and stakeholders as the matter went to the federal court for a decision.

“Our objective is to work in good faith with everyone as we continue to restore key sections of Quandamooka country to its rightful owners,’’ he said. “A strong Quandamooka community, supported by its native title rights, is a win-win for everyone.

“Next week is National Reconciliation Week, which is a special time each year for us all to reflect on what we have already achieved and can achieve together as Australians.’’

Mr Costello said Redland city mayor Karen Williams was right when she said the matter was a chance for local community groups and the council to embrace the theme “let’s take the next steps”.

“We have already taken a lot of big steps together here in the Redlands-Quandamooka country,’’ he said.

Saturday and Sunday would mark the first anniversary of last year’s historic Queensland parliament debate and vote on the North Stradbroke Island Protection and Sustainability and Other Acts Amendment.

Mr Costello said it was the momentous occasion when native title rights on North Stradbroke (Minjerribah)

were restored.

He said Quandamooka woman, QYAC member and Small Business Minister Leeanne Enoch addressed parliament using Quandamooka language for the first time and MP Billy Gordon, in casting his deciding vote, told the parliament that Quandamooka people had bled long enough.

“This coastal native title claim continues to build a better future – a glad tomorrow – for the Quandamooka people themselves and ... we can also build a stronger bayside society and economy,’’ Mr Costello said.

Registration of the Quandamooka claim means it complies with the National Native Title Tribunal’s 12 requirements, which include:

 reasonable identification of the area subject to claim;

 sufficient description of the people in the native title group; and

 providing a sufficient factual basis for the rights and interests claimed.