REDLAND City Council has decided to take part in the Quandamooka coast native title claim which takes in about 530 sq km from Russell Island north to Mud Island.
It means council will be part of the process in mediation or court action as the matter goes through the Federal Court.
Councillors voted to join the claim as a party which will keep the local authority in the loop as the application proceeds.
A legal report to council said the Quandamooka people were recognised as the traditional owners of much of Redland city and had lived on the land and seas for about 21,000 years.
Native title was recognised for North Stradbroke and unoccupied islands and surrounding waters in 2011.
Mayor Karen Williams told council that native title had no impact on privately owned freehold land.
Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Cameron Costello said the council decision was another positive step for Quandamooka people.
“QYAC looks forward to working with the Redland council and all stakeholders to achieve another consent determination in the Federal Court,” Mr Costello said.
“Our objective is to work in good faith with everyone, including council, as we continue to restore key sections of Quandamooka country to its rightful owners.
“A strong Quandamooka community, supported by its native title rights, is a win-win for everyone.
“We have already taken a lot of big steps together here in the Redlands-Quandamooka country. I am sure we will continue that positive relationship.”
Mr Costello said the claim would help build a better future for Quandamooka people and a stronger bayside society and economy.
“Our ancient Quandamooka heritage has a lot to offer everyone, not just the Quandamooka people,” he said.
“So, we welcome council decision to keep working together for that glad tomorrow’.”
The Australian Local Government Association and the National Native Title Tribunal recommends councils be a party to a laim.
By becoming a party, council joined the process and was able to take part in mediation and, if necessary, in court.
The preferred approach to resolving native title claims is through negotiation and agreement rather than through litigation as many of the legal precedents about where native title exists or has been extinguished have already been determined.
The report to council said it could take about a year to resolve the claim.
