Australian tribe considers a casino development on their claimed territory

The Kombumerri-NgarangWal people, an indigenous tribe residing on the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia, are advocating for the right to develop a large-scale casino resort on their ancestral lands. casino in an attempt to be self-sufficient.

The strategy pursued by this tribe on the Gold Coast mirrors the model used by Native American tribes, such as the Cherokee, who operate multiple casinos on their sovereign lands in North America. Examples include the Ak-chin Casino in Arizona, Cherokee Casino in North Carolina, and Prairie Band Casino in Kansas.

Nevertheless, the Kombumerri-NgarangWal Saltwater people face significant challenges in replicating the commercial success of their American counterparts. This is due in part to The Star Entertainment's exclusive casino license in the Gold Coast region.

The tribe asserts a rightful claim to The Spit, a prominent and valuable stretch on the northern Gold Coast, where they envision constructing a second casino.

Representing the traditional families, David Dillon and Anthony Dillon have officially lodged these claims. Commenting on the matter, David Dillon expressed: “Our opportunities have long been stifled when it comes to the commercial use of our native lands. Now is the time for us to carve our own path. We strive to be proactive and determined, fostering a sustainable connection to our ancestral land. The marginalization we've endured is a thing of the past, replaced by a renaissance rooted in self-governance and 'Success by Design.' We, the Saltwater People, open our arms to those with bona fide connections to our cause, but we will no longer tolerate disruptions or ulterior motives from outsiders that threaten our unity. For us, indigenomics—a vision of self-determination and collective prosperity—is paramount.”