Deal summary
MinterEllison advised Nari Nari Tribal Council Ltd (NNTC) on its acquisition of the Juanbung and Boyong Stations landholding in south‑western New South Wales. NNTC is a Traditional Owner-led organisation dedicated to land and water conservation, cultural preservation and protecting biodiversity in the Riverina and Low Bidgee regions of NSW.
Completion occurred on 27 January 2026. The transaction involved the acquisition of approximately 229 lots across 33 titles, comprising more than 33,000 hectares of land, together with associated improvements, inclusions and water access licences.
The landholding includes The Great Cumbung, an internationally recognised wetland system situated at the confluence of the Lachlan and Murrumbidgee Rivers. Comprising extensive wetlands and riverine forest and representing one of the largest remaining wetland systems of its kind in the Murray-Darling Basin.
Under NNTC's custodianship, this landholding offers substantial carbon sequestration and biodiversity offset potential through the protection and restoration of threatened reed and river red gum ecological wetlands that provide an essential breeding habitat for endangered species, as well as presenting opportunities for nature-based tourism and cultural heritage experiences.
Jamie Woods, the Chair of NNTC, emphasised the significance of this transaction allowing NNTC to "preserve, protect and restore the life and beating heart to Country and culture on this unique space".
The transaction was characterised by a complex contractual and regulatory framework, including long‑term conservation arrangements affecting a substantial portion of the landholding, multiple water access licences, Crown licences, and land subject to environmental, forestry and mining controls, including a proposed conservation covenant over approximately 16,000 hectares.
MinterEllison acted for NNTC as borrower on the acquisition, including bank financing, ILSC grants and philanthropic contributions, and advised on the associated real estate aspects of the transaction. This included coordinating property and finance teams and specialist tax advice through to completion.
The MinterEllison team was led by Keith Rovers (Partner), with support from Natalie Bentley (Senior Associate) and Nashita Khan (Lawyer). Andrew Wright (Special Counsel) led the real estate aspects, supported by Patrick Kang (Senior Associate), Isabelle Alvarez (Associate) and Maximilien Saker (Lawyer). Liz von Muenster (Partner) and Chris Tang (Special Counsel) advised on tax matters.
The transaction strengthens Aboriginal stewardship and the land‑back movement, returning decision‑making to Traditional Owners while supporting critical conservation efforts and ecological finance.
