Neds Corner Station on Ngintait Country in northwest Victoria is making history, as the largest parcel of private land to be returned to Traditional Owners in the state.
Trust for Nature will transfer their owner ship of 30,000 hectares of regenerated farmland to the First People of the Millewa Mallee Aboriginal Corporation.
This historic hand over is supported by $2 million from the Andrews Labor Government to continue conservation works and planning for a future, fenced haven on the site to protect at risk wildlife from a range of threats including foxes and feral cats.
Over the past twenty years Trust for Nature and their volunteers have helped transform Ned’s Corner from a grazing property into a flourishing ecosystem for native plants and animals; many being rare and threatened in Victoria.
First People of the Millewa Mallee Aboriginal Corporation can now undertake cultural assessments and mapping for the land as well as employ rangers for ecological and conservation works.
Victorians can continue to enjoy Neds Corner with opportunities to learn from Traditional Owners and appreciate the important history of the landscape and its unique ecosystem.
The land transfer is expected to be completed within 2 years, this will allow time to work with Traditional Owners and stakeholders to agree on a funding and management model and for a Trust for Nature conservation covenant to be placed on the property.
As stated by Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Through self-determination The First People of the Millewa Mallee Aboriginal Corporation will manage Ned’s Corner and continue to rejuvenate the land and help protect our threatened species in Northern Victoria.”
As stated by Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams
“Returning ownership of Ned’s Corner is a significant and timely step on the path to honouring the rights and dignity of Traditional Owners.”
As stated by the First People of the Millewa Mallee Aboriginal Corporation Chair Norman (Tinawin) Wilson
“The handback of our traditional lands is an historic occasion for our people. Our lands were stolen, and our people killed, but we are still here today. Having our land back will allow us to restore our cultural practices, and care for the land and river properly.”
As stated by Trust for Nature Chair Gayle Austen
“We are proud to return the land to the care and ownership of the original owners and Traditional Custodians. We look forward to an ongoing partnership to protect, conserve and restore this amazing place.”
