- Aboriginal Lands Trust and Yued Aboriginal Corporation sign 100-year lease for Mogumber Reserve farmland
- Area of deep cultural significance for many Aboriginal Western Australians from the Yued region and beyond
- Agreement supports Traditional Owner-led agricultural enterprise and future pathway to land divestment
The Aboriginal Lands Trust (ALT), on behalf of the Cook Labor Government, has signed a landmark lease agreement with the Yued Aboriginal Corporation (YAC), marking a significant step towards Aboriginal economic independence.
Under the 100-year agreement, YAC will lease more than 4,000 hectares of agricultural land at Mogumber Reserve, located about 100 kilometres north of Perth.
The lease will enable Traditional Owners to pursue culturally informed agricultural opportunities while planning and consultation continue on the site's long-term future, including potential divestment.
Mogumber Reserve, historically known as the Moore River Native Settlement, is located on the traditional lands of the Yued People of the Noongar nation.
The State Government has worked closely with YAC to prepare for the future management, rehabilitation and use of the reserve.
YAC intends to seek expressions of interest for the use of the agricultural land in late 2026 through a competitive tender process.
The former Mogumber Mission homestead and cemetery, which hold deep cultural significance for many Aboriginal people, are not included in the lease agreement.
Recognising that Aboriginal people from families and regions across Western Australia have connections to Mogumber, extensive consultation will be undertaken to help inform the future management and stewardship of this important historic site.
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch:
"This agreement is an important milestone for the Yued People.
"It provides certainty and supports the Yued People's aspirations to manage and benefit from their Country.
"It reflects the value of government and Traditional Owners working together to create lasting economic opportunities for current and future generations.
"Mogumber holds deep significance for many Aboriginal people, and its future must be shaped through respectful consultation and engagement."
As stated by Yued Aboriginal Corporation chairperson Sharna Meinertz:
"This is a day we've long dreamed of: this land is coming back to us.
"We will care for it and ensure that our people are generating an economic benefit we can invest in the property and our community.
"This is exactly what our Elders had in mind when they worked so hard for the establishment of Yued Aboriginal Corporation, and it is extremely satisfying to be able to deliver on the promise they made to our families."
