CLCAC would not exist without the inspiration and leadership of the late Phillip Yanner Snr. Before his untimely death in November 1991, Mr Yanner was instrumental in setting up the CLCAC and in obtaining the eventual return of the following Aboriginal reserve land and leases to the traditional owners:

Old Doomadgee

A parcel of DOGIT (Deed of Grant in Trust) land at Old Doomadgee was transferred  to the Gurridi Traditional Land Trust (Gangalidda) in 1994. The original Mission, known as ‘Old Doomadgee’ was established in 1931, approximately 100 km north of the current township. By 1936 this site was deemed unsuitable due to its remoteness and lack of reliable fresh water and the mission was moved to the present site of the township on the Nicholson River.

Bidunggu Reserve

The former Aboriginal reserve land at Gregory Downs on the banks of the Gregory River was transferred to the Bidunggu Aboriginal Land Trust in 1994. The early transfer of this land assisted the Waanyi People to later obtain a determination of exclusive native title over this same area.

Bentinck and Sweers Islands

Ten parcels of former lease land and former Aboriginal reserve land on Bentinck and Sweers  Islands was transferred to the Kaiadilt Aboriginal Land Trust. The Trust, along with the Kaiadilt Aboriginal Corporation, has been managing the affairs of the Kaiadilt People since 1994.

Bundella, Troutbeck, Brokera and Konka pastoral leases

These leases were purchased by CLCAC on behalf of the Gangalidda People in 1995. The purchase was the culmination of many years of research and lobbying by Phillip Yanner and made in recognition of the cultural, social and land needs of the traditional owners.

CLCAC acknowledges the work and vision of Phillip Yanner Snr in establishing CLCAC as one of Australia’s first land councils and we celebrate his contribution in standing strong and leading the way.

Native Title Fight Begins

On 30 June 1994, CLCAC was recognised under the Native Title Act 1993 as the representative Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander body for the Gulf Region. This region includes land and waters from the Northern Territory border to east of Normanton, and the islands and seas of the lower Gulf of Carpentaria.

Since first being recognised as a NTRB, CLCAC has achieved a number of important and positive outcomes to provide for the protection and recognition of the native title rights and interests of Aboriginal traditional landowners in northwest Queensland.

CLCAC employs various consultative mechanisms to ensure that its members and the people that it serves have input into its decision making and prioritisation. The primary means of consultation  is by way of applicant, claim group and prescribed body corporate meetings, held regularly to advise native title claimants and native title holders about recent court decisions, the legal context for native title, and to discuss matters relevant to the progress of their native title applications and ancillary matters.

(Photo by: Morton Fauerby)

(Photo by: Kiri ten Dolle)