Land Reform

Since its inception Balkanu has been a leading advocate for Cape York land acquisition and development. In 1996 the historic Cape York Heads of Agreement was signed by traditional owner groups, pastoralists and environmentalists. It ensured coexistence on Cape York and joint protection of the environment.

Balkanu subsequently provided assistance with property planning for a number of Cape York properties acquired by the state government.

Following this Balkanu began facilitating traditional owner agreement-making for the return of traditional lands and the creation of new national parks.

In 2005 the signing of the historic Kalpowar Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) delivered a new model for the return of traditional lands.

Responsibilities

To resolve land tenure, access and acquisitions for traditional owners Balkanu:

• facilitates traditional owners role in the development of ILUAs and conservation agreements
• engages anthropologists to identify and/or authenticate land ownership
• facilitates land tenure negotiations
• facilitates the provision of legal and technical advice
• organises and facilitates meetings with the task force
• works with CYLC to meet statutory Native Title requirements, and
• pursues land tenure and land management opportunities.

2006 Achievements

After more than four years of negotiations, various parcels of land at Archer Point, 50km south of Cooktown, were returned to traditional owners. An ILUA provided for the transfer of both Aboriginal freehold and ordinary freehold land, as well as the creation of a new national park. A portion of the land has been dedicated as a resources reserve to allow for the possibility of a wind-farm.
Bizant, located within Lakefield National Park, was excised from the park and returned to the traditional owners to allow for continued access and seasonal occupation within the protected area.
About ten thousand hectares of land was returned to traditional owners at Melsonby Station near Hope Vale. The ILUA provides for the creation of a new national park and a nature refuge to protect areas of high conservation value. In addition the state government has agreed to fund some traditional owner activities and involve them in the management of the new protected area.

2007 Priorities

• Review the model for conservation agreements to better suit Aboriginal lands.
• Undertake planning for unallocated state lands in Cooktown and Starcke.
• Develop and implement land acquisition, land management and economic strategies with the Indigenous Land Corporation.
• Progress agreements in relation to the Archer Point Wind Farm and plantation opportunities.
  Negotiate for joint management or Aboriginal ownership of national parks and other conservation areas.
• Participate in the development of land use and conservation service delivery policy with the Cape York Institute.
• Progress a review of land ownership and governance structures with the view of reducing the number and complexity of land trust bodies.
• Participate in the development and implementation of plans for carbon trading and ecosystem services.

Progress negotiations, planning or tenure resolution for properties including: Mt Croll/McIllraith Range, Running Creek, Lilyvale, Iron Range/Portland Roads, Upper Bridge Creek, Kalinga, Shelburne Bay, Artemis, Batavia, Olive River Reserve, Munburra, Jardine River and Heathlands.