Planning and Consultation Committee - 14 Jul 2026

Topics

• Nillumbik Council joins Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung native title case
  Nillumbik Council will join a Federal Court native title case covering land that includes part of the shire, taking a monitoring role to protect its statutory and operational interests.
  The claim may affect Council-managed Crown land, roads, reserves, assets and future land-use activities. Council will monitor the proceedings and seek legal advice when required.

Decisions

• Council to join Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung native title proceedings
  Acting under delegation from Council, the Committee resolved to become a party to Federal Court application VID1466/2025, also identified as VC2025/002, and authorised the Chief Executive Officer or delegate to lodge a Form 5 by 21 July 2026.
  Council will formally participate in proceedings that may affect land and infrastructure it manages within the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung claim area.
• Council adopts monitoring role in native title case
  Council will participate as a self-represented respondent and adopt a monitoring role, obtaining legal advice only where required.
  This approach allows Council to remain informed and protect its interests while limiting legal involvement to matters where advice is needed.

Discussion

• Native title claim and Council participation
  The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung native title claim covers approximately 10,424 square kilometres, including land within Nillumbik. Council had until 21 July 2026 to decide whether to participate as a respondent.
  The proceedings may affect Council-managed land, roads, reserves, assets and future land-use activities across the claim area.

Impacts

• Council will participate in the native title proceedings affecting a claim area of approximately 10,424 square kilometres, including land within Nillumbik.
• Potential implications include impacts on Council-managed Crown land, roads, reserves, assets and future land-use activities.
• Officers will monitor the case and update Councillors, with legal advice obtained where required.

Places

• Nillumbik Shire (local government area)
  Council area and part of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung native title claim area
• Greensborough (town)
  Council Chamber and council offices at 32 Civic Drive
• Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung claim area (claim area)
  Land, roads and reserves managed by Council within the claim area
• Crown land, roads and reserves (land and infrastructure)
  Council-managed assets potentially affected by the native title proceedings

Next

• Chief Executive Officer or delegate to lodge a Form 5 with the Federal Court.
  On or before 21 July 2026
• Council officers to monitor the proceedings and provide updates to Councillors.
  Ongoing
• Chief Executive Officer or delegate to respond to procedural matters as required.
  As required

Extract

Planning and Consultation Committee Meeting held at the Council Chamber, 32 Civic Drive, Greensborough on Tuesday 14 July 2026 commencing at 7:00 PM. Minutes Carl Cowie Chief Executive Officer Friday 17 July 2026 Distribution: Public Civic Drive, Greensborough PO Box 476, Greensborough 3088 Telephone 9433 3111 Facsimile 9433 3777 Website www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au Email nillumbik@nillumbik.vic.gov.au Planning and Consultation Committee Meeting Minutes 14 July 2026 Nillumbik Shire Council Contents 1. Welcome by the Chair 1 2. Acknowledgement of Country 1 3. Apologies/Leave of Absence 1 4. Declarations of conflict of interest 1 5. Confirmation of Minutes 3 COM.001/26 Confirmation of Minutes Pla...