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Environment and Heritage/Natural Resources, HON. RODNEY WELFORD 19/8/99 Historic Cape York Lands Returned To Traditional Owners The Beattie Government today took a significant step forward in the reconciliation process with the return of the Injinoo lands in northern Cape York Peninsula to their traditional owners. Minister for Environment and Heritage and Natural Resources, Rod Welford, said the granting of freehold title over 340,000 hectares of land on the Peninsula to four Aboriginal tribes would enable the traditional owners to reclaim their dignity. "The incidents that occurred on these lands in the late 19th century as European settlers attempted to establish dominance are etched in Australia's history," Mr Welford said. "The return of these lands to their traditional owners comes 135 years to the month after the HMS Salamander and Golden Eagle dropped anchor at Port Albany, heralding the start of European occupation and Aboriginal dislocation. "In the space of 40 years, the Aboriginal population in northern Cape York was reduced from over 3,000 to less than a tenth of that number, due to the arrival of a Government settlement at Somerset and construction of an overland telegraph line. "The indigenous culture that existed for thousands of years was disrupted by introduced diseases, shootings and kidnappings. "Incidents took place for which no Australian could be proud and it's remarkable the indigenous culture survived as well as it did. "This is the largest freehold title grant to Aboriginal people in our history and occurs under the Aboriginal Land Act 1991. "The process to reach this point has involved a large number of people over the past five years and I would like to congratulate all of those people for their goodwill, patience and hard work. "This is the most secure title we can provide and will enable the Injinoo community to progress their excellent work of managing this area for all Australians." Page 2 Historic Cape York Lands Returned To Traditional Owners The land includes the historic settlement of Somerset, Crab and Albany Islands and reaches as far south as the Skardon River. It is bounded on the east by Jardine River National Park and the Heathlands Reserve. "The four Aboriginal tribes which make up the Injinoo community have formed a single Land Trust to oversee the management of this land as a way of presenting a united body for the northern Peninsula region," Mr Welford said. "This Trust will look after the land on behalf of their ancestors, the people now and future generations." "As an inaugural member of the Cape York Peninsula Development Association since its inception, the Injinoo community has taken an active role in fostering reconciliation of people living and working in the Cape. "They have helped establish common ground between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people based on economic development and cultural respect." Previously, the land provided to the Injinoo community had been classed as Aboriginal Reserve, or leased under a special Deed of Grant in Trust. A gravesite at Somerset where the bodies of some 40 European settlers are buried has been excluded from the freehold title, but is part of the Aboriginal Deed of Grant in Trust. Further information: Greg Milne on 38963688 or 0417 791 336 19 August, 1999
