The former chief executive of the Cape York Land Council, Dion Reece Creek, has been charged with allegedly defrauding the organisation during his two-year tenure.

The Cairns Post reports that Mr Creek, 39, appeared in Cairns Magistrates Court on Thursday facing 38 charges.

These include 22 counts of fraud - dishonest application of property by a director or officer - 12 counts of making a false declaration, two counts of stealing by a director or officer, and two counts of computer hacking and misuse causing detriment, damage, or benefit.

Queensland Police said a 39-year-old man from Coen was arrested at Cairns Airport on May 1 and was initially refused bail.

Mr Creek was later granted bail in court.

The case has been adjourned for further mention on July 8, 2025.

The alleged offences occurred between October 2022 and August 2024, the same period Mr Creek served as CEO, the Cairns Post reports.

He was appointed to the role in September 2022, with his tenure ending in August 2024.

At the time of his appointment, Mr Creek was described as an advocate for social and economic development in Coen and Cape York, as well as a negotiator and businessman.

The Cape York Land Council was established in 1990 and formally recognised as the Native Title Representative Body for the Cooktown region in 1992.

Its stated mission is to assist Traditional Owners in asserting and managing land and sea rights, delivering social, cultural, and economic outcomes.

The council serves 17 Indigenous communities in Cape York through its Native Title Unit, Land Reform Unit, and Anthropology and Research Unit.

In the 2022-23 annual report, Mr Creek acknowledged the contributions of past leaders, including his mother, who was CYLC's second chief executive.