The Bandjalang, a clan of the wider Bundjalung people in NSW, have won native title over a large number of national parks, state forests and Crown lands in the state’s north.
Bandjalang claim number 1 was lodged in 1996 and the bigger Bandjalang claim 2 was lodged in 1998. They both cover 2,700 square kilometres.
Bandjalang elder, Warren Willams, says, it was a long time coming.
“It's an all too familiar story at native title recognition ceremonies - remembering elders who were there at the start of claims, but not there at the end,” he told NITV News.
NTSCORP, the New South Wales service provider, assisted the Bandjalang.
The group's chief executive, Natalie Rotumah, says the native title process needs to be sped up.
“Parties to the claim have agreed to recognise the Bandjalang people's rights to hunt, fish,camp, gather natural resources and protect cultural sites, in accordance with Bandjalang traditional laws and customs,” Ms Rotumah said.
