Hobart takes step in support of historic Aboriginal land handback

Published on 28 July 2026

Hobart City Council has taken a significant first step in what could become a first for an Australian capital city - endorsing in-principle support for the return of a portion of the Queens Domain to the Aboriginal community.

Council has endorsed a recommendation to proceed with the next steps for a hand back of a 4.9 hectares of the Queens Domain to the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania (ALCT).

The decision is the first important step before further investigations, community engagement and statutory processes can commence.

The decision recognises the significance of this landscape and the opportunity for a celebration of Tasmania's Aboriginal culture and history.

The City of Hobart’s Master Plan for the public parkland says the Domain should be understood as an Aboriginal cultural landscape shaped over a long period by Aboriginal fire management practices. Ecological studies interpret the Domain’s rare grassy woodland as a surviving remnant of a much wider Aboriginal-managed landscape around the lower Derwent.

The proposal relates to approximately 4.9 hectares of land within the 230-hectare area of Queens Domain and follows requests from the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre and the ALCT for land to support an Aboriginal-owned and operated cultural centre.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the decision marked a positive milestone in a proposal of cultural significance for Tasmania – if it proceeds, it will be the first land hand back in twenty years, the first by a Tasmanian local government and one of only a small number by local government Australia wide.

The Council resolution does not approve the transfer of land, nor does it approve the construction of an Aboriginal cultural centre. Instead, Council has authorised the Chief Executive Officer to undertake the legal, planning, environmental, heritage and land tenure investigations required to proceed to future stages of consideration.

Community engagement will also form part of the process.

Any future proposal involving the transfer of public land would require a separate Council decision and would be subject to the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993, including public notification and opportunities for community input.

The report considered by Council noted that public access arrangements would need to be resolved as part of any future proposal.

The ALCT has advised that it intends for the land to remain accessible to the broader community.

Quotes to be attributed to Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds:

"Today's decision is a significant milestone and the first step in returning land to the Aboriginal community to allow for the recognition and celebration of Tasmania's Aboriginal culture and connection to country in the heart of an Australian capital city.

“This is a nationally and locally significant indication of the Council’s support for a land handback – the first in Tasmania for two decades.

"There is still substantial work ahead and any future land transfer would require a separate Council decision, but today's outcome reflects a willingness to genuinely explore an opportunity of historic significance for our city and state.

“With good will from all parties, my hope is that we can turn this strong intention into a reality.”

Quotes to be attributed to Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania General Manager Sarah Wilcox:

“This historic decision enables the opportunity to create something truly meaningful for Tasmania.

“Returning land is just the beginning. The real legacy lies in what we create together on Country.

“We see an opportunity to create a nationally significant cultural destination that celebrates Palawa culture and history while delivering lasting benefits for the wider community, the visitor economy and the environment.

“This proposal involves spaces for learning, sharing, and celebrating. It could be a place where our stories are told, where artists and the community come together, and where everyone is invited to connect with living culture.

"We look to create a space that supports cultural preservation and public benefit, particularly understanding that tourists are actively seeking cultural experiences and finding them lacking in Nipaluna and Tasmania.

"It is important to understand that we would not be disturbing the natural values of the site. For Aboriginal people, the caring for and healing of Country is our first priority."