May 8, 2014
New State Government legislation announced today will provide an opportunity for freehold land ownership for the first time in many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Premier Campbell Newman said the changes were an important milestone for indigenous Queenslanders.
“Not only will they give economic independence and opportunity, but also greater confidence to indigenous communities,” he said.
Natural Resources Minister Andrew Cripps said the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land (Providing Freehold) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 would give indigenous people the same property rights to land as other freehold property holders.
This means the owners would be able to take out mortgages and loans using the land as collateral.
Mr Cripps said the freehold model took into account the unique features of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the potential issues introducing ordinary freehold title might create.
“Each community trustee, following appropriate consultation, will make the decision as to whether or not to adopt the freehold model,” he said.
“The trustee and community can decide whether to make the whole township, certain parts of the township or none of the township available for freeholding.”
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Glen Elmes said the Bill would not force freehold on any community.
“We want to work with communities to identify what’s best for each one, and to what extent – if at all – freehold land can be made part of the community.”
Cherbourg Council CEO Warren Collins told southburnett.com.au he believed there were still a few issues that needed to be sorted out before decisions could be made about freehold land at Cherbourg.
He said the moves to freehold land have “been in the pipeline for a number of years”.
“Ninety-nine year leases are available to local indigenous people who want to purchase their own homes on indigenous communities,” he said.
“However there has been a push to get better title to land ownership.
“There has been a push in the past to get freehold title for those wishing to own their own homes.
“It is now becoming a reality and it will be up to the community and council to decide if they want freehold title to be available and if so where will it be available.
“I think that there are a few issues that still need to be sorted out and the community is well informed before a decision can be made in relation to this matter.”
- Related article: Indigenous Home Ownership Moves Another Step Closer
