The Wik debate Aboriginal groups have lodged five new native title claims across Victoria's north-west, covering about a fifth of the state. The claims were lodged with the National Native Title Tribunal this week - with four of them replacing a single 1998 claim over a similar area. The claims apply only to Crown land and waterways in the area, which stretches roughly from Bendigo to Mildura.
Aborigines hope to use some of the land for farming and housing.
These four claims replace a single claim lodged by the North-West Aboriginal Nations in 1998. A fifth claim, made by the Dja Dja Wurrung people, covers land between Bendigo and Charlton. The tribunal will now begin applying registration tests to the claims, which could allow the Aboriginal groups involved some rights of negotiation while their claims are pending. None of the claims are expected to begin mediation until next year. Mirimbiak Nations Aboriginal Corporation, which supports all native title claims in Victoria, said Aborigines felt a strong connection to the north-west of the state.