NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said it was only right that the island be returned to its traditional owners,but it needed to be handed back in good condition after centuries of varied use.
“Returning Me-mel to the Aboriginal community is the right thing to do,and it helps deliver on my commitment of improving outcomes and opportunities for Aboriginal people across all parts of Government,” Perrottet said.
“A big part of my commitment is ensuring the island is remediated before it’s transferred to the Aboriginal community.”
Perrottetrevealed his ambition to return Me-mel to traditional landowners earlier this year and promised to fly the Aboriginal flag permanently atop the Harbour Bridge.
Remediation work on the island,which was also used to store gunpowder and later as a water police base,will involve seawall repairs and removing contaminants including asbestos.
Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council deputy chair Yvonne Weldon said state government acknowledgement of the true ownership of Me-mel was an important step.