Wurundjeri People File Native Title Claim Over Melbourne and Surrounding Regions
The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people have lodged a native title claim in federal court seeking recognition of their traditional rights and continuous connection to most of Melbourne and nearby areas. The claim, filed on Friday, covers thousands of square kilometres including metropolitan Melbourne, known as “Naarm” to the Wurundjeri people.
Geographical Scope of the Claim
The claimed land extends:
- From the mouth of the Werribee River north to its headwaters in the Great Dividing Range
- East to Mount Baw Baw
- South through Bunyip
- West to Mordialloc Creek
Legal Context and Existing Recognition
The Wurundjeri people are already recognized as traditional owners of a similar area under Victorian law. This claim follows the Victorian Labor government’s recent passage of an Australia-first treaty with Indigenous Australians.
“Native title only applies to crown land and does not affect private homes, businesses or infrastructure.”
Under federal law, native title grants recognized traditional owners rights such as:
- Decision-making power over public land and water use
- Protection of areas of cultural significance
- The right to be consulted over the use of these areas
Significance of the Claim
If successful, this would become Victoria’s eighth native title determination and only the third that covers a capital city. Previously, native title claims have been granted to the Kaurna people in South Australia and the Noongar people in Western Australia.
“The claim covers most of metropolitan Melbourne — known as ‘Naarm’ to the Wurundjeri people.”
Native title claims play an essential role in recognizing Indigenous Australians' enduring connection to their land under Australian law.
Summary: The Wurundjeri people have filed a native title claim covering most of Melbourne to legally affirm their traditional rights, marking a significant step for Indigenous recognition in Australia.