Indigenous land interests

The Wet Tropics cultural landscape reflects thousands of years of connection, knowledge and custodianship. By maintaining cultural traditions, protecting heritage and caring for Country, Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples continue to sustain the outstanding cultural and natural values of this globally significant World Heritage Area.

Indigenous land interests recognise the enduring connection of Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples to Country and support their ongoing role in caring for and managing the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area (the Area).

Native title determined areas and other Rainforest Aboriginal land interests cover 81.6% of the Area. More than 20 Rainforest Aboriginal groups, including 21 registered native title bodies corporate, hold important rights, interests and responsibilities across the Area.

© WTMA

Native title

Native title recognises Aboriginal Peoples ongoing connection to land and waters based on their traditional laws and customs. It may include rights relating to activities such as hunting, gathering and fishing, and provides a framework for consultation on activities that may affect native title.

Prescribed bodies corporate and registered native title bodies corporate

Following a native title determination, prescribed bodies corporate (PBCs) are established to represent the native title holders. Once registered, they become registered native title bodies corporate (RNTBCs) and are the primary contact for native title matters.

© Western Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation

Native title representative bodies

The North Queensland Land Council and Cape York Land Council are recognised under the Native Title Act 1993 and support Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples by assisting with native title claims and protecting native title interests across the Wet Tropics.

Aboriginal shire councils

The Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council and Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council are local governments within the Area, responsible for delivering essential services, infrastructure and housing to their communities.

Contacting Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples

To connect with Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples of the Wet Tropics, search online for current contact details using the relevant group names listed in the map. You can also search on the  Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations website.

© WTMA