Anniversary of the Quandamooka Native Title Determinations

4 July

On 4 July 2011, the Federal Court made two consent determinations recognising Quandamooka native title rights and interests over land and waters on and around Minjerribah, also known as North Stradbroke Island, and some islands in Moreton Bay.

A milestone after sustained work

Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation identifies 4 July 2011 as the determination date. The Tribunal records that Justice Dowsett made the orders at Dunwich following negotiations among the applicants, governments and other parties.

The Tribunal’s timeline traces an initial claim lodged in 1995 and a second claim in 1999. The anniversary therefore recognises sustained community work as well as the formal decision.

Land and waters

The determinations recognised exclusive rights in specified land areas and non-exclusive rights across other land and offshore areas. Sea Country is an essential part of the account, rather than an addition to a story only about land.

The orders apply to defined areas and interests. They should not be described as transferring every parcel of land or removing all other rights. The Tribunal’s maps and explanations help distinguish the broad claim from the legal outcome.

Determinations and agreements

The wider resolution included Indigenous Land Use Agreements with the Queensland Government and Redland City Council. The Tribunal explains that the determinations’ operation was linked to registration of the associated agreements.

The date used here is the date the Court made the determinations. Agreement signing, registration and practical implementation are related stages that should be named accurately when telling the full story.

Recognising continuing authority

The anniversary can celebrate legal recognition while recognising that Quandamooka people’s connection to Country predates the Court’s orders. It also draws attention to the continuing work of the native title body on behalf of holders.

For learning activities, compare the community account with the Tribunal’s timeline. Ask what changed through recognition and what responsibilities continued. Use publicly shared material, credit Quandamooka creators and seek local permission for visits, cultural activities or the use of knowledge beyond those public resources.

Sources and further reading

Read the official record alongside publicly available material from the relevant community or native title body. Historical records may include names of people who have died.

Online sources

Native Title. Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation. Community account of the two determinations.
https://qyac.net.au/native-title/

Quandamooka People’s native title determinations. National Native Title Tribunal. Dates, rights, areas, negotiations and related agreements.
https://www.nntt.gov.au/publications_all/information-publications/determination-brochures/Determination-brochure-Quandamooka-Peoples-4-July-2011.pdf

Our related products and resources

We do not currently offer products or learning resources specifically for this anniversary. The reading links above are provided for background and further learning. Suitable items from our range will be added here as they become available.