Parts of Dillon Bay, Bremer beach eyed for native title estate

Thousands of hectares of crown land in the Shire of Jerramungup could be handed over to the Noongar people as part of the South West Native Title Settlement, including eastern parts of Bremer Beach and Dillon Bay. Shire of Jerramungup councillors voted to support the handover “in principle” as long as the public was still able to access to coastal areas of eight parcels of land identified by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage as potential transfers. More than 300,000ha has been committed by the State Government to create the Noongar Land Estate under the South West Native Title Settlement, which is expected to be finalised by mid-year, pending legal processes in the High Court. In his report presented to council at its March council meeting, the Shire’s manager of development Noel Myers said there were questions about beach access, particularly to areas of Dillon Bay. “The question of exclusive native title possession and the public’s continued right to access to beaches impacted by the Native Title Determinations is currently before the High Court with a decision expected later towards the middle of 2020,” Mr Myers said. “It is the expectation that council would have the opportunity to make further comment on possible land transfers once the DPLH had reviewed comments provided by stakeholders and prior to any final decision being made.” While the Shire had disclosed eight parcels of land within their boundaries, including parts of Pallingup River and the Fitzgerald National Park, the department would not reveal other parts of the Great Southern identified for potential transfer. “The DPLH continues to work proactively with the Noongar people to identify unallocated crown land and unmanaged reserves within the Great Southern region that may be suitable for inclusion into the Noongar Land Estate,” a department spokeswoman said. Land handed over to the Noongar Land Estate will be able to be used in two ways — cultural and development. Cultural uses include meetings on country, temporary camping, ceremonies and other cultural activities, while property development or re-development, commercial use or land sale will able to be carried out under development activities. Standard planning and other approvals would still apply.