John Cecchi

North Queensland Land Council Native Title Representative Body Aboriginal Corporation

The North Queensland Land Council (NQLC) is the recognised authority for Native Title in its region, covering approximately 943,300 km2 of land and water, with about 411,164 km2 being land. NQLC's region is diverse, including the Great Barrier Reef marine environment and seven land bioregions: Central Queensland Coast, Brigalow Belt, Wet Tropics (coastal and upland areas), Einasleigh Uplands and Desert Uplands, Mitchell Grass Downs, and Savannah Gulf Plains. Since its establishment in March 1994, NQLC has represented its constituents, achieving 54 native title consent determinations. It has also negotiated various land use agreements to ensure maximum benefits for the traditional owners in the region. NQLC's mission is for the native title rights and interests of all traditional owners in their region to be legally recognised, leading to cultural, social and economic benefits for Aboriginal people through secure ownership of their traditional lands and waters.