Kenbi land claim finally settled after 45 years

By PETER ROWE

The Kenbi land claim – which has been running since 1979 – has been finalised with the Australian and Northern Territory governments agreeing to hand back the last parcels of land on the Cox Peninsula to the Kenbi Land Trust, and the Larrakia Development Corporation.

“This historic moment is a tribute to the ongoing collaboration between the Northern Territory and Australian governments, the Northern Land Council, the Larrakia people and Traditional Owners to resolve complex issues,” NT Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Steve Edgington said.

“Finalisation of the Kenbi land claim is a positive step for the Aboriginal landowners to progress commercial and land management initiatives for economic development and cultural outcomes.”

Nigel Browne, CEO of Larrakia Development Corporation, said he was one year old when the Kenbi land claim was filed in 1979.

“I am more than pleased to finally see the 5th of December 2024 arrive,” he said.

“With this transfer, we signal another step towards acknowledging Larrakia people’s connection to our Country and our determination to continue advancing toward a very bright future.

” We are our ancestor’s dreams and I am proud to have played my part as LDC CEO and a Larrakia and Wulna Traditional Owner, in achieving this outcome for all Larrakia people.”

As part of the hand back, the CLP Government has secured perpetual access to the intertidal Aboriginal Waters of the Cox Peninsula, subject to the sacred site protections that came into force in 2016.

Use of roads and the track to the WWII Bomber site will continue without a permit. Camping is permitted on the Cox Peninsula in designated camping areas only.

The 2018 Kenbi Open Areas Declaration remains unchanged with public access to specific beaches and intertidal waters of Cox Peninsula and Bynoe Harbour continuing without a permit.

Access to or use of land not within the designated areas will require a permit obtained through the Northern Land Council.