Note update 5.15pm August 22.

Police say they are investigating a report of an alleged cattle theft north-east of Alice Springs.

Sources contacting the Alice Springs News say the stock belongs to the Alcoota Aboriginal Cattle Company from the Engawala community who for 30 years have been able to graze and run a cattle enterprise on Alcoota Station (pictured).

Police state that on August 5 they were notified about the theft and discovered several individuals in possession of two loaded cattle trucks near the Plenty Highway.

“The group was unable to provide the necessary documentation for transporting the cattle.

“In response to this incident, a meeting took place on August 6 at the Harts Range Police Station, where various stakeholders gathered.

“Key discussion points included the management of the cattle station, clarification on grazing permits, and a commitment from all parties to resolve conflicts peacefully.

“However, there is an ongoing dispute regarding the management of the station and the associated pastoral leases. This issue is currently before the court, and the outcome of the legal proceedings will determine who rightfully manages the cattle station, as well as the related capital and land use,” says police.

A spokesperson for the cattle company says there are no issues before any court. The management of the station was not discussed at the meeting with the police and is to the satisfaction of the traditional owners.

Charlie Martel, of Ward Keller, acting for Alcoota Aboriginal Cattle Company Pty Ltd, has told the [Alice Springs] News: “There is no current court action regarding [the] management of Alcoota Station; ownership of the cattle on Alcoota Station; nor use of Alcoota Station.

“Alcoota Aboriginal Cattle Company Pty Ltd is not involved in any current court action and [it] owns all cattle on Alcoota Station.”

The spokesperson says the company is owned by the TOs of the area and they are now seeking a grazing licence with the assistance of the Central Land Council.

The spokesperson says the meeting at the Harts Rang police station dealt with conflict between the Engawala and Mulga Bore Aboriginal communities, not the alleged cattle theft.

The [Alice Springs] News understands the alleged cattle rustling came to light when they were found on the station loading the cattle. Later the road train of the alleged rustlers became bogged.

Update 5.15pm August 22.

The police has reversed its statement yesterday that the issues are before “the court”. They now say the issues “may proceed to the courts”.

Meanwhile today’s statement, released at 3.15pm, claimed the opposite to what the cattle company’s solicitor stated yesterday, as we reported.

Today’s police statement says: “However, there is an ongoing dispute regarding the management of the station and the associated pastoral leases.

“This issue may proceed to the courts, and the outcome of the legal proceedings will determine who rightfully manages the cattle station, as well as the related capital and land use.”

The spokesperson for the cattle company says the police is not dealing with the main issue, the alleged attempted theft of some $400,000 worth of cattle.

“We hope the police are able to do a thorough investigation to be able to charge everyone involved and justice is served,” says the spokesperson.

Police did not answer questions asked by the Alice Springs News at 8.36am today: “Have police made any arrests and if not, why not? If so, how many? Have police laid any charges? If so, which?”

This article appeared on Alice Springs News on 21 August 2025.
This article is open for comment at Alice Springs News.