The Hobart City Council has voted in principle to return 4.9 hectares of parkland at Queens Domain to the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania, a decision hailed as a historic step for reconciliation and potentially the first council-led land return of its kind in the state.
The vote, which passed nine to three on Monday night, signifies initial approval for the handover of the land, which features walking tracks, sporting facilities, native grasses, and views of the River Derwent and kunanyi/Mt Wellington.
This decision follows the council's 2022 action to remove a statue of colonial surgeon William Crowther, who was accused of stealing Aboriginal remains in the 19th century. Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre campaign manager Nala Mansell described the vote as "real action rather than just words" and stated that the council is "definitely leading the way in the state and across the country."
The process will involve further investigations into legal, planning, environmental, and heritage aspects. A final handover would require another council vote, preceded by community consultation, a process expected to span several years. Plans propose the establishment of an Aboriginal centre on the land, which would remain accessible to the public.
Sarah Wilcox, general manager of the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania, called the decision "historic" and an opportunity to create a "nationally significant cultural destination that celebrates Palawa culture and history." She emphasized that Aboriginal people prioritize the "caring for and healing of Country" and that the natural values of the site would not be disturbed.
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds characterized the vote as a "nationally significant milestone" demonstrating the council's openness to exploring such opportunities. State Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bridget Archer welcomed the council's decision.
The proposed land return is seen as a potential catalyst to encourage the state government to enact promised land returns. Tasmania has not seen large-scale land returns since 2005, when Cape Barren Island (Truwana) and Clarke Island (Lungtalanana) were returned to the Aboriginal community.
