Town residents oppose proposal to transfer ’95 percent’ of land to Aboriginal Corporation
The Queensland government is planning to transfer control of Toobeah, a small town located southwest of Brisbane, to the Bigambul Native Title Aboriginal Corporation.
Toobeah, pronounced “two beer,” is a small town with a population of about 30 people, situated 400 kilometres southwest of Brisbane on the Queensland/New South Wales border. Locals have been taken aback by the decision to hand over “95 percent” of the town’s freehold land to the Bigambul Native Title Aboriginal Corporation without proper consultation.
Michael Offerdahl, owner of the Toobeah Hotel, expressed concern about the lack of transparency in the process, claiming that essential town areas like the town common, rodeo ground, town hall, and town dump are included in the transfer. He emphasized that the community was kept in the dark about these plans.
The Toobeah Reserve, officially designated for livestock use, serves as a recreational area for residents and supplies water to the town. Mr. Offerdahl stressed that the significance of the land to the town goes beyond its official gazetting.
While Mayor Lawrence Springborg acknowledged the concerns raised by residents regarding the lack of transparency, he clarified that the reserve does not represent 95 percent of the town. He also highlighted the historical ties of the Bigambul people to the region but acknowledged the residents’ efforts to collaborate with them.
It is worth noting that an Aboriginal freehold title restricts the sale, mortgage, or transfer of the land, although it can be leased to another party.
