Deeds of Grant in Trust
A Deed of Grant in Trust (DOGIT) is a community-level land trust established under the Community Services (Torres Strait) Act 1984 and the Community Services (Aborigines) Act 1984 to manage former Aboriginal reserves and missions in Queensland
Local representatives are elected every three years to Incorporated Aboriginal Councils with the authority to pass by-laws, appoint police officers, and manage housing and infrastructure. They also oversee the Community Development Employment Program and issue hunting, fishing, and camping permits. The Local Government (Community Government Areas) Act 2004 extended many provisions and benefits normally enjoyed by shire councils under the Local Government Act 1993 to community councils. However, while their functions resemble those of other local government authorities (LGAs), they own the land they administer on behalf of the community.
Since 1 January 2015, trustees classified as “urban” or “future urban” have been able convert portions of the collective title to either Aboriginal freehold or Torres Strait Islander freehold.
DOGIT communities:
Badu Island
Bamaga
Boigu Island
Cherbourg
Dauan Island
Doomadgee
Erub (Darnley) Island
Hammond Island
Hope Vale
Iama (Yam) Island
Injinoo
Kowanyama
Kubin Island
Lockhart River
Mabuiag Island
Mapoon
Napranum
New Mapoon
Palm Island
Pormpuraaw (Edward River)
Poruma (Coconut) Island
St Pauls Island
Saibai Island
Seisia (Red) Island
Ugar (Stephen) Island
Umagico (Alau)
Warraber (Sue) Island
Woorabinda
Wujal Wujal (Bloomfield River)
Yarrabah (Cape Grafton)
Yorke Island
