Land of the legends is the Nywaigi people’s own

Please see below media release from the Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy The Honourable Dr Anthony Lynham.

Land of the legends is the Nywaigi people’s own

North Queensland’s Nywaigi People, operators of the award-winning Mungalla Station tourist attraction, now hold the native title rights to the land and waters where their legends have been formed.

At a hearing on Mungalla Station today, the Federal Court formally recognised the Nywaigi People’s native title rights and interests over almost 40,000 hectares of land and waters between Rollingstone and Ingham.

Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said recognising the Nywaigi’s rights meant they could hunt, fish and gather, hold meetings, teach their younger generations about their country and maintain places of importance and significance.

“Today’s hearing acknowledges that the Nywaigi People have been connected to these lands since before sovereignty and it means that their undeniable connection to their traditional homelands can continue,” he said.

“Today Australia recognises what the Nywaigi have always known.”

Senior Nywaigi man and traditional owner Phil Rist said the land and waters had major cultural and spiritual significance to the Nywaigi People.

“Spiritually, this land knows who its people are through its intimate connection of harmony and balance over thousands of years,” Mr Rist said.

“This is land on which we have told stories, we have fished, we have grown up on and it is land on which Nywaigi legends have been formed.

“For me, not only do I have a relationship between me and my country, but there is a significant relationship between my country and me.

“This determination will go a long way in helping us to restore balance.

“Now, more than ever before our land needs its people.

“In part, this reciprocal relationship will be assured through our native title consent determination.”

The determination recognises exclusive native title rights and interests over about 8600 hectares and non-exclusive native title rights and interests over 30,000 hectares between  Rollingstone, along the coast up to Taylors Beach, and inland to include part of the Paluma Ranges.

Dr Lynham congratulated the Nywaigi People, other respondents and the Federal Court for the spirit of co-operation required to achieve the determination.

“I congratulate the Nywaigi people – their genuine commitment to this native title claim will help to further preserve our nation’s rich indigenous culture,” he said.