A HUGE parcel of western Victoria extending from Port Fairy to Anglesea and north to Stawell has been designated in an application by an Aboriginal corporation for cultural heritage protection rights.
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It follows a separate push for native title recognition of Crown land across the region.
The revised application by Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation has been advertised by the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council for public comment until November 7 before a government decision.
The original application area lodged in July 2011 was expanded.
Eastern Maar spokesman Jeremy Clark told The Standard yesterday management in the north of the region would be shared with another group, Martang Pty Ltd.
“This is another step for us to be recognised in protecting cultural heritage,” he said.
“There’s a separate application for native title ownership.
“We are trying to get cultural heritage areas approved prior to the native title issue which is subject to further negotiations with the state government.”
Eastern Maar people previously won federal native title rights, along with Gundit Mirring people, to fish, hunt and camp, plus negotiate with mining companies in the area between the Shaw and Eumeralla rivers extending to north of Hamilton.