A large area of crown land near the village of Drake, in the upper reaches of the Clarence River catchment has been returned to the Jubullum Local Aboriginal Land Council following a successful land claim.

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council NSWALC made the claim on 104.4 hectares of crown land across two adjoining blocks on the western side of Drake, which will be returned as freehold land to the Jubullum Local Aboriginal Land Council.

The Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 gives Local Aboriginal Land Councils and the NSW Aboriginal Land Council the right to lodge land claims on Crown Land.

These land claims must be assessed against non-discretionary statutory criteria in the Act, including whether the land was lawfully used or occupied at the time of the claim, or was needed for an essential public purpose.

Jubullum Local Aboriginal Land Council LALC CEO Michelle Nagas said the land claim will provide opportunities for the community.

“The approval of this land claim is very exciting,” she said.

“It involves a substantial block of land close to Drake Village which provides strong opportunities.

“We will have discussions with the land council and consultations with the community on future use of the site.”

NSW Aboriginal Land Council CEO Yuseph Deen congratulated the Jubullum Local Aboriginal Land Council on the return of country to Aboriginal hands.

“A key strategic goal of the NSWALC is pursuing economic self-determination, independence and prosperity for Our people,” he said.

“Central to this is land acquisition and activation; securing the highest and best use returns and generating ongoing benefits fosters prosperity for Local Aboriginal Land Councils and Aboriginal communities.

“This is particularly important in rural and remote areas of NSW.”

Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, congratulated the Jubullum LALC and acknowledged the history associated with the land.

“With the return of this land, we pay our respects to the Traditional Owners, the Ngarabal people, alongside the Jukembal, Bundjalung, Kamilaroi, Githabul and Wahlubul peoples who share a connection to the area,” she said.

“We are proud and privileged to share a rich local history.

“Through acknowledging the past and our local Aboriginal communities’ connection to Country we will all benefit from deeper cultural understanding, which forms a stronger foundation for a more prosperous future.” 

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 27 March 2024.