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Following a 15-year campaign by traditional owners and three years of settlement negotiations, the Victoria Government has agreed the largest native title claim in its history – covering 11% of state’s land area.

Signed between the Taungurung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (TCAC) and the Victorian Government on Friday, the agreement will give the Taungurung people access to crown land for hunting, fishing, camping and gathering resources.

In addition, parts of the Alpine National Park, currently managed by Parks Victoria, will now be jointly managed by the Taungurung people while the TCAC has been awarded a settlement of more than $33 million.

The settlement area stretches from the Campaspe river, between Rochester and Kyneton, in the west and the Ovens River near Harrietville in the east. It covers 11% of the state’s landmass.

Commenting on the agreement, TCAC Chief Executive, Matt Burns stated “this settlement with the government shows that times are changing for traditional owners in Victoria and for the Taungurung people - it’s a pleasing recognition after such a long journey, which will help many Taungurung community members to heal.”

Under the agreement, the management of nine parks and reserves will be passed to the Taungurung people as Aboriginal title, meaning they will be jointly managed by the state and traditional owners. This will include areas of the Alpine National Park as well as the Buffalo and Lake Eildon National Parks.

The settlement was negotiated under Victorian legislation established in 2010 to allow traditional owners to negotiate native title by settlement.

Image: Alpine National Park.

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4th January 2018 - Native title plan to maximise tourism opportunities for Gippsland Aboriginal community

5th July 2017 - Parks Victoria acknowledges work of Indigenous ranger during NAIDOC week

26th December 2016 - Parks Victoria plan proposes luxury accommodation on Falls Creek to Hotham Alpine Crossing trail

28th July 2016 - Indigenous rangers lobby for more positions

23rd March 2015 - Victoria Government moves to protect Alpine National Park

30th December 2014 - Victorian Government scraps grazing trials in Alpine National Park

4th July 2011 - Native title win for North Stradbroke’s traditional owners

23rd January 2009 - Planning the Future of Victoria’s Alpine National Parks

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