An indigenous group from north Queensland has been awarded native title rights over more land between Bowen and Ayr.
The Federal Court in Brisbane recognised the Juru people's native title rights and interests over 7570 hectares of land and waters in that area, Queensland Natural Resources Minister Anthony Lynham said.
Last year, the group won rights to 176,000 square hectares of land and waters in the same area.
"This is a powerful statement of recognition of the significant place the Juru people have as custodians of this land," Dr Lynham said
"It provides opportunities for the Juru people to realise tangible outcomes, including home ownership, employment and other economic and development opportunities."
Monday's Federal Court decision settles a 2010 claim, and was welcomed by Kyburra Munda Yalga Aboriginal Corporation chair Angie Akee.
"We can now preserve our cultural heritage and hold the land in trust for future generations," she said.
However, one Juru elder believes native title rights won't protect cultural heritage areas from development.
Elder Carol Prior joined about 100 protesters at Abbot Point coal terminal, north of Bowen, on Monday to protest against plans to expand the port.
"I'm protesting because native title does not protect our land, it does not protect our cultural heritage sites," she told AAP.
"As far as I'm concerned, I'm not going to allow (mining giant) Adani or anyone else to destroy those sacred sites."
