Native Title

Native Title Determinations in the Fraser Coast region

Native title means the rights and interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in lands and waters, based on their traditional laws and customs.  These rights are recognised and government by Australian law under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).

The formal recognition of native title occurs through a determination process, where the Court issues a document that details the areas where native title exists, along with the rights and interests of the native title holders.

There are 3 native title determinations in the Fraser Coast Region.

  1. Butchulla People #2 which was determined on 24 October 2014 and relates to Fraser Island.  Fraser Island is now known as K’Gari which means “paradise” in the Butchulla language.
  2. Butchulla Land and Sea Claim #2 was determined on 13 December 2019 and relates to land and sea in the Hervey Bay area.
  3. Kabi Kabi First Nation Traditional Owners Native Title Claim Group which was determined on 17 June 2024 and is comprised of land on the western borders of the Fraser Coast Region from Howard South to Gundiah.

Further details and maps about these claims can be found on the National Native Title Tribunal (NNTT) website.

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