Eden site returned to Aboriginal community

The NSW Government has granted an Aboriginal land claim that will see the return of a parcel of land in Eden on the state’s South Coast to the local Aboriginal community.

The Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council will take ownership of the 3,600 square metre site at Imlay Street following the resolution of the land claim lodged in 2021.

The Imlay Street land will be transferred as freehold to Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council which advises it would like to work with the community and local council to determine its future use.

The former Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre site was owned by Crown Lands, who sublet the site to other residential, hospitality and commercial tenants.

In 2020, the building was closed following building condition assessment reports finding it presented a serious safety risk to tenants and visitors to the site and was beyond serviceable repair. It was later demolished in 2021.

Under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983, Local Aboriginal Land Councils and the NSW Aboriginal Land Council have a right to lodge land claims on Crown land.

Land claims must be assessed against non-discretionary statutory criteria in the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983, including whether the crown land was lawfully used or occupied, or is needed for an essential public purpose or as residential lands.

Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council Chairman BJ Cruse said:

“We will see what potential the site has, given all the other activities at the wharf. We might be able to put back a new building with more space for shops and food outlets.”

“As chair of Eden LALC, I wish to express sincere appreciation for the positive actioning of the land claim system and the granting of such a significant parcel of land that is going to aid in the advancement of Aboriginal people and assist in closing the gap initiatives.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“This is a great example of how community outcomes can be delivered through the realisation of Aboriginal land rights.”

“The return of this land to the Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council will ensure the future of this important site can be put to productive use for the benefit of the local Aboriginal community and the wider Eden community.”