Overview
- The application will be assessed by the National Native Title Tribunal, which will decide on registration and notify affected parties before mediation begins.
- The claim spans about 10,420 square kilometres from the Werribee River to Mount Baw Baw, taking in the Macedon Ranges, Yarra Valley and the northern section of Port Phillip Bay.
- Significant overlap with an unresolved Boonwurrung bid is expected to be addressed through negotiations, as the claimants’ lawyers favour a mediated settlement with the Victorian government.
- The bid targets Crown land, parks and key waterways including the Birrarung/Yarra and Maribyrnong for co-management and stronger protection of culturally significant sites, including cultural burning practices.
- The move follows years of groundwork by elders and comes as Victoria advances a statewide treaty with First Peoples.