The Queensland government will formally oppose an Aborginial corporation's exclusive native title claim on nine square kilometres of land on Woppa (Great Keppel Island).
The Woppaburra people, who were forcibly removed from the region more than 120 years ago, officially gained native title recognition on 13 islands, including Woppa and Konomie (North Keppel Island) in 2021.
The islands are in the southern Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of central Queensland near Rockhampton.
The Woppaburra Saltwater Aboriginal Corporation (WSAC), the registered Native Title Prescribed Body Corporate who represent the Woppaburra people, have now lodged a native title claim for exclusive use of Woppa, which the government will formally oppose.
Chair Fred Saunders stated the desired goal of WSAC was "looking after people and Country".
The land includes an air strip and the abandoned 'party paradise' Mercure resort.
"Since the closing of the resort site in 2007, the then new owners failed to remove debris, render the site safe, commence any ventures to rehabilitate the island or restore any confidence in a viable future," WSAC said.
"The island environment and infrastructure have deteriorated to the point where visitations have reduced, and local businesses have suffered.
"We have an obligation to work towards improving this situation."
WSAC said they, along with Woppaburra Land Trust and Woppaburra TUMRA Aboriginal Corporation, were actively looking to "care for our country and in a respectful and appropriate way".
"We have commenced this work already with our Woppaburra Ranger Program," they said.
They noted even if the exclusive claim was successful, it may be decades before any change in tenure is recognised, and noted to date, no restriction has been put on any Woppaburra land acquired through native title.
"Even a relatively quick determination, would simply allow us to access these land parcels to assist with the clean-up of the contaminated landscape, progress water testing including ground bodies, rehabilitate the lands and engage in fire and pest management," WSAC said.
Mr Saunders added: "We are protective of our sacred areas and will maintain our cultural responsibilities, but the Woppaburra people are not about restriction, anti-development and locking up lands."
"We are about sustainable environmental approaches to safeguard the island's beauty to make it an attractive destination for all visitors."
The ABC reported Queensland Premier Steven Miles said it was not unusual for a government to oppose exclusive use.
"There is a native title process that these claims go through, and the state as an interested party… is a respondent and we respond on behalf of the state," he said.
"We seek to make sure that the aspirations of First Nations people can be realised while also ensuring Queenslanders can continue to have access to the places they love."
The WSAC said the Woppaburra have been involved in the 'Great Keppel Island (Woppa).Concept Master Plan' - released this year - and the native title application would not cease progress towards implementing the plan.
"We are committed to working with supportive departments and collaborators giving us the ability to access and rehabilitate our country and as a result rejuvenate and revitalise the island environment including the Fisherman's Beach precinct," they said.
