State Government and Yamatji Nation finalise transfer of first 10 reserves, creating Yamatji Land Estate

The transfer of the first 10 reserves has been finalised under an agreement which will make the Yamatji people one of the Mid West’s biggest landholders. On Monday the first land transfers were announced, formally creating the Yamatji Land Estate and instigating the delivery of up to 149,090ha to the Bundi Yamatji Aboriginal Corporation. The move was finalised between the Cook Government and the Yamatji Nation after the Yamatji Nation Indigenous Land Use Agreement was executed in 2020. The ILUA covers about 48,000sqkm of Mid West land and resolves the State Government’s compensation liability for the “impairment and/or extinguishment of native title in the agreement area”. The deal also includes a $500 million package of benefits for the Yamatji people. The Yamatji Land Estate will be drawn from the crown land estate and eight Aboriginal Lands Trust properties in the Geraldton area. Not only will it establish the Yamatji people as one of the region’s largest landholders, it will provide a diverse asset base to help them pave the way to self-determination and long-term economic independence. Yamatji Southern Regional Corporation acting CEO Luka Gray said she was thrilled to see the first 10 reserves transferred. ““This marks a pivotal moment for our people in securing our ancestral lands and paving the way for future generations of Yamatji people to thrive economically and culturally in the Mid West,” she said. BYAC chair Ross Councillor said the significance of these land transfers could not be overstated. “They represent a significant stride towards self-governance and empowerment for Yamatji people,” he said. “BYAC is dedicated to leveraging these resources responsibly to foster a prosperous and culturally vibrant future for our community in the Mid West.” Lands Minister John Carey said the transfers were an important first step in delivering a key commitment of the Yamatji Nation ILUA. “The Cook Government recognises this historic return of land to traditional owners and remains committed to working with YSRC and the landholding bodies to deliver the Yamatji Land Estate,” he said. Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Tony Buti added: “This significant land transfer is the result of the diligent resolve of the Yamatji people and their strong and enduring connection to country. “It will serve as a catalyst for realising the social, cultural and economic prospects of Yamatji land to its highest potential.”