A total of 1.51 hectares of Crown land will be transferred to the ownership of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council after an Aboriginal land claim was approved over the Talus Street Reserve at Naremburn, on Sydney’s north shore.
Talus Street Reserve, at the headwater of Flat Rock Creek, features bushland, walking tracks, picnic tables, eight tennis courts, a clubhouse and parking area.
The land claim by the NSW Aboriginal Land Council was granted after the land was found to be claimable on the date of the claim, after Willoughby City Council leases on the site had been ruled invalid by the Supreme Court.
Agreement will be sought from the land council to create easements to ensure continued public access on walking trails, and for site maintenance access when needed.
Sections of land will be retained for the essential public purposes of a public road, public access, maintenance, and stormwater.
Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council chair Allan Murray said the land will support social, cultural and economic benefits for the Aboriginal community, which in turn benefits the broader community.
“As the new owners, we look forward to moving ahead and undertaking the necessary due diligence of working with the community to understand who the stakeholders, users of the site and surrounding communities are,” Mr Murray said.
“Once we know this, and with our members’ support, Metropolitan LALC will be able to make an informed decision and plan for the site’s future. This is an exciting time for Metropolitan LALC and our membership.”
Willoughby City Council, which previously managed the reserve, welcomed the ‘momentous’ decision to transfer the land under the Aboriginal Lands Rights Act 2016.
“We respect and support the NSW Government’s decision to grant the claim made by the Land Council as the owners and custodians of this beautiful land. Willoughby Council is committed to working collaboratively and positively with the Land Council to ensure a smooth transition,” Willoughby Mayor Cr Tanya Taylor said.
“On behalf of the community, Council acknowledges the rich indigenous history of the Gammeraygal people in the area. The transfer will embed this significant indigenous heritage, drive cultural and social outcomes as it affirms Aboriginal Land Rights and supports reconciliation.”
Talus Street Reserve
