How Indigenous land is used
The following information should be used as a guide only and is subject to change.
About Indigenous land
Indigenous communities in remote and regional Queensland are located on a land tenure type called an Indigenous Deed of Grant in Trust (DOGIT). Some exceptions to this are Mer (Murray) Island, which is an Aboriginal reserve and Aurukun, which is located on a shire lease.
Indigenous local governments or councils hold trusteeship of these community lands, except for Mer Island, where the State is trustee.
These communities are located on communal land, not individual titles as in non-Indigenous communities. The land is held in trust for future generations and cannot be sold.
Community lands can be transferred to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Freehold, which is a land tenure type similar to 'ordinary' freehold with some differences.
Native title has been found to exist in a number of Queensland’s remote and regional Indigenous communities. The trustees of these communities must consider native title issues when taking care of and managing the land. In some cases the consent of the native title party may be required in the form of an Indigenous Land Use Agreement.
Indigenous land use agreements (ILUA)
An ILUA is a contract or agreement about the use and management of an area of land or water.
An ILUA is between the native title party and other people, which may include the state government or a person with an interest in the area.
ILUAs can be about:
- future developments that may affect native title
- how native title coexists with the rights of other people
- extinguishment (ending) of native title by surrendering it to the State
- compensation for the effects of any dealing on native title rights and interests.
If you need help with an ILUA contact your nearest native title representative body.
