Councils urge state support as mounting legal bills from Native Title cases push regional budgets to breaking point
There are currently 38 Native Title claims active across the state, including one in the Torres Strait that's been lodged for 24 years, placing mounting pressure on already stretched local government budgets.
While many claims are uncontested, others, particularly those affecting populated areas and public spaces, have forced councils into lengthy and expensive negotiations.
Redland City Council has spent over $2 million of ratepayer funds attempting to clarify how the extensive Quandamooka Coast claim could affect the 1300 land parcels within its jurisdiction. That figure is set to climb as a four-week Federal Court hearing looms later this year.
'Council has advocated to the Australian Government and Queensland Government for greater clarity and transparency surrounding Native Title claims, particularly where the claimant seeks exclusive possession of local government-controlled reserves, facilities, and community use areas,' a spokeswoman said.
'Having this clarity is important for the whole community, including Quandamooka peoples, so it can be fully understood where native title rights and interests can be exercised."
According to the Courier, some 80 parcels of Redlands land are potentially affected, including key public areas such as Cleveland Cemetery, the Redland Performing Arts Centre, and popular reserves at Wellington Point and Cleveland.
'The Australian Government revoked funding to parties responding to native title claims, including local governments, while funding for parties making Native Title claims has continued,' the spokeswoman added.
Native Title law recognises Indigenous Australians' traditional rights to land and waters but does not apply to private land.
In recent years, groups such as the Kabi Kabi people have won non-exclusive rights over significant areas in processes that often span decades.
Senator Pauline Hanson has now joined the call for support, saying small regional councils are being crushed under the financial strain.
'These claims are often very complex and can take years to resolve, resulting in huge legal costs for respondents. It's simply not fair,' she said.
'It's a burden that few, if any, regional Queensland councils can bear.'
Queensland's Local Government Minister, Ann Leahy, said the state is working to ease the pressure on councils, but stopped short of confirming any new funding would be allocated to help with legal costs.
'While Labor walked away from supporting councils for a decade, the Crisafulli government is helping reduce red tape and costs to ensure they can deliver for their communities,' she said.
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