VICTORIAN traditional owners have lodged a native title claim in the federal court for the Grampians National Park, also known as Gariwerd.
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Barengi Gadjin Land Council hosted a meeting in October last year open to Wotjobaluk people – including Jaadwa, Jadwadjali, Wergaia and Jupagalk persons – to have their say on whether the claim should proceed.
The groups formed a joint claim as the Gariwerd Native Title Group.
Barengi Gadjin Land Council, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation and Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation represent the traditional owners who claim rights and interests in the park.
Leaders Jennifer Beer, Denise Lovett and Jamie Lowe issued a joint statement after lodging the claim in the federal court on Monday.
“Gariwerd is a special place for all of us. It forms the heart of many of our shared creation stories and is rich in Aboriginal heritage with over 80 per cent of Victoria’s rock art sites,” the statement read.
“It’s vital that this claim is successful so that we, as the traditional owners, can play a real role in protecting our heritage for everyone to enjoy.”
The application is the first native title claim over the Grampians.
A Native Title Services Victoria spokesman said the claim was the result of meticulous historical research to prove a continuous connection of each the groups to the park.
“The claim covers 1672 square kilometres of Crown land,’’ he said.
“The traditional owners will seek to meet with the state government to discuss settlement options.
“If successful, traditional owners will have the right to hunt, camp, fish and care for their traditional country.
“They will also have the right to be consulted about any future developments in the park.”
The spokesman said the claim did not affect anyone else’s existing rights.
“The public will still be able to access and enjoy the parks in the same ways they always have,” he said.
“Their rights and interests are protected.”