By Emmaclarke (13 August 2015) Central Telegraph
THE usually quiet town of Theodore heard the claps and cheers of hundreds of Wulli Wulli People in an on-country Federal Court hearing this morning which recognised them as the traditional owners of the land. The hearing on the 13 August 2015, the first of its kind in Central Queensland, marked the end of a 15-year plight to have their native titl
e claim recognised for a piece of the region's history which covered an area of about 5432 square kilometres. The original Wulli Wulli claim was filed in July 2000 and included Theodore, Cracow, pastoral properties, national parks, state forests and parts of the Dawson River. For the Wulli Wulli People, the hearing marked a landmark case in which they paid respects to their Elders and the traditional owners of the land. "It's been a long time coming and we have bought the sprits with us on this momentous occasion," claim applicant Brian Clancy said. "We will respect our Elders until we find our place in the sky." Lawyer Ted Besley represented the Wulli Wulli People and said the case was a particularity important decision for the region. "This case is the first of its kind in Central Queensland," Mr Besley said. "This area was settled very early in Queensland history but despite that the Wulli Wulli people have been able to prove they will maintain their presence and that is a massive achievement." The history of the Wulli Wulli People in Central Queensland had particular impact on Justice Collier's decision. The claim shows
"They endured horrendous massacres of their people including children." Justice Collier said the Wulli Wulli claimants had worked tirelessly to have their native title claim determined. "I commend the parties on reaching an agreement as I am aware of how much work goes in," Justice Collier said. "The Wulli Wulli People will continue to hold their rights and interests in the land under traditional ownership laws." by Stunzer, Inga (13 August 2015) Queensland Country Life
A BUOYANT crowd of 250 turned up to a federal court on-country sitting in the small central Queensland town of Theodore today to recognise the Wulli Wulli people as the traditional owners of their country. This is the first self-funded native title claim in the region and covers just under 5500 square kilometres and includes the towns of Theodore, Cracow, pastoral properties, Precipice and Isla Gorge National Parks, state forests and section of the Dawson River. Banana Shire Council Mayor Ron Carige said the decision gave security to the Wulli Wulli people over sacred sites and significant areas.
“The fact is it brings us closer together as council and Wulli Wulli with how we go forth on projects – they will need to be consulted,” he said. As part of the determination, the Wulli Wulli people have entered into Indigenous Land Use Agreements with pastoral lease holders, Ergon Energy, Banana Shire Council and the State Government in respect to Precipice and Isla Gorge National Parks.http://www.nntt.gov.au/searchRegApps/NativeTitleClaims/RegistrationDecisionDocuments/qc00_7_05042001.pdf
http://www.nntt.gov.au/searchRegApps/NativeTitleClaims/RegistrationDecisionDocuments/QC00_7%20Reg%20Test%20Edited%20Reasons%2031%20March%202010.pdf
