Historic Native Title Determination for Eastern Maar

Published on 28 March 2023

21 April 2023

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority welcomes the Federal Court’s native title determination, recognising Eastern Maar’s ongoing connection and relationship with their country in south-western Victoria, including much of the coastline of the Great Ocean Road.

The area covered by the decision runs along the coast from Grey River in the east to the Hopkins River at Warrnambool in the west. It stretches north to Dunkeld, around Gariwerd-Grampians and south through Lake Bolac, east near Colac and back to Grey River.

The determination recognises Eastern Maar’s right to access, use, and protect public land in accordance with their traditional law and custom. Additionally, it recognises their right to be consulted on the use and development land and natural resources – to ensure the protection and preservation of places and areas with cultural importance.

Eastern Maar woman and our CEO Jodie Sizer hopes the decision will pave the way for further self-determination for Eastern Maar people.

"It's a recognition of rights that provides a platform for all things; from economic development to meaningful recognition, so we can ensure that we have the self-determination to secure our rightful place in the future."

"Today was a significant day for Eastern Maar peoples, but we support Native Title determinations more broadly across the state as formal recognition of the intrinsic connection of Traditional Owners to Country."

Working together with our First Nations people on coastal land along the Great Ocean Road, we support the Eastern Maar and Wadawurrung Peoples as they take an active role in shaping the future.  This includes acknowledging the intrinsic connection of Rights Holders to Country through partnership and involvement in policy development, planning, and decision-making for public land management.

Images: Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation