The Albanese government has done a “mass injustice” to the Redland City Council, who are fighting a “mammoth native title claim,” says Sky News host Rita Panahi. Ms Panahi discussed Redland City Council’s fight with Liberal MP Henry Pike.
Native Title Claim Casts Shadow Over Redlands’ Most Iconic Sites
Many residents of Redlands, a picturesque coastal city in Queensland, remain blissfully unaware of a significant legal battle unfolding beneath their feet. Currently, a Native Title claim looms over a substantial portion of this idyllic locale, affecting approximately 3,500 Council-owned or managed properties. Among the properties in question are some of the city’s most cherished and iconic sites, including Wellington Point reserve, Cleveland Point reserve, Cleveland Cemetery, the Redlands Performing Arts Centre, and numerous local playgrounds.
An illuminating map, highlighted in conspicuous red markings, offers a visual representation of the sites under scrutiny by Native Title claimants. Residents are encouraged to click on the map, zoom in, and scrutinize whether their own streets and suburbs fall within the claim’s ambit.
In response to this complex legal situation, Redland City Council has embarked on a quest for clarity. Council officials have petitioned the Federal Court to determine whether Native Title rights have been extinguished on these sites. This undertaking is not only incredibly costly but also bound to be protracted, potentially siphoning millions of dollars from local ratepayers and spanning several years.
Historically, the Commonwealth Government had adopted a balanced approach by providing financial support to both Native Title claimants and respondents. However, recent developments have cast a shadow of uncertainty. Regrettably, the Albanese Government, now in power, has chosen to abolish the Native Title Respondent Funding Scheme (NTRFS).
Local authorities, deeply concerned about the impact of this decision, have made repeated appeals to the Attorney General, urging the restoration of respondent funding for Redlands. These pleas, however, have met with disappointment as they were ultimately dismissed.
As the Native Title claim continues to loom large over the Redlands, residents and officials alike anxiously await the outcome of their quest for legal clarity and fair resolution. The future of these cherished sites hangs in the balance, as the legal battle unfolds.
References
https://www.henrypike.com.au/nativetitle
https://www.redland.qld.gov.au/info/20163/quandamooka_country/592/native_title_on_redlands_coast
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