A large area of Far North Queensland has been handed to traditional owners. 

Native title rights to almost 850,000 hectares of Cape York in Far North Queensland have been granted to Central West Wik, Taepithiggi, Umpila, and Weipa Peninsula people, marking a significant milestone in their fight for recognition. 

These groups are part of a larger claim that covers about 50 per cent of Cape York, and their applications are the latest to be recognised from the Cape York United #1 Claim, which was lodged in 2014 by multiple Cape York Indigenous communities.

The recognition of these native title rights has been a long and arduous process. 

Federal Court Chief Justice Debra Mortimer acknowledged the time it took for the claims to be processed and expressed her regrets about the lengthy nature of the native title system. 

She said that while it was a happy day for many, it was also a sad day for elders who did not live to witness this determination.

While celebrating this milestone, concerns about the utilisation of the land and the ability to start businesses have been raised, with many calling on governments to consider reforms that would enable Indigenous communities to use the land as an asset and generate revenue for their own development.