The Iama and Tudu Peoples have marked a major milestone, with the Queensland Government officially handing back two of their uninhabited islands to them.
At a ceremony in Cairns on Thursday 9 July 2026, Julie Brogan, Director of Indigenous Land Operations at the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development, presented two framed Deeds of Grant, confirming the ownership by Iama and Tudu Peoples of Zagai and Mukar (also known as Jeaka Island and Cap Islet).
Directors of the Magani Lagaugal (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation RNTBC received the deeds. Magani Lagaugal is the prescribed body corporate, or PBC, for the Iama and Tudu Peoples native title holders. In December 2004, the Federal Court of Australia recognised their native title rights over Zagai and Mukar, alongside Tudu and Iama (also known as Yam Island).
Magani Lagaugal now looks after exclusive native title rights for the Iama and Tudu Peoples native title holders under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), as well as ownership of the two islands under the Torres Strait Islander Land Act 1991 (Qld).
Proud Iama and Tudu man, Satrick Baluz, alongside Elder and Magani Lagaugal Director, Wilson David, took possession of the deeds.
Magani Lagaugal Chair Ned David reflected on the importance of this event. He thanked the State for their work leading to the handback, while recognising the community’s continuing goal of securing the handback of Iama to the Iama and Tudu native title holders.
“The transfer of ownership from the State to the PBC completes the picture for Zagai and Mukar,” Mr David said. “Recognising native title rights is one part. Receiving legal title under Queensland’s tenure system is the second part. All uninhabited and inhabited islands should be owned by traditional owners.”
Magani Lagaugal is now responsible for the two islands and will continue working to secure the return of Iama to its rightful owners, the Iama and Tudu Peoples.
About us:
Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Corporation (GBK) is the peak body for PBCs across the Torres region, including the Torres and Endeavour Straits.
We aim to drive initiatives in a strengths-based, community-led approach to enable positive change, improve national statistics of inequality, and build sustainable communities.
