21 July 2026 – Port of Melbourne (PoM) has officially joined the Federal Court of Australia proceedings relating to the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People’s native title determination claim as a respondent.

The claim, which was lodged in October 2025 and registered in January 2026, covers areas that include parts of PoM’s leased land and waters. As the landlord of Australia’s largest general cargo and container port, PoM’s participation enables it to engage in the process, contribute relevant information about the port and its operations, and understand any considerations relevant to future port planning.

What Port of Melbourne’s participation means

• In a procedural step, Port of Melbourne has joined the Federal Court proceedings as a respondent
• Under PoM’s lease of the Port of Melbourne with the Victorian Government, PoM is obligated to deal with relevant native title claims relating to the Port of Melbourne and has joined as a respondent to participate constructively in the Federal Court process
• PoM will contribute relevant information about the port and its operations

What Port of Melbourne’s participation does not do

• Does not represent opposition to the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People’s native title determination claim
• Does not prejudge or influence the Court’s determination of the claim
• Does not alter the day-to-day operations of the Port of Melbourne
• Does not affect existing tenants or port users
• Does not affect private property owners or businesses in the claim area
• Does not indicate support for or opposition to the claim, or preference for any Traditional Owner group, with PoM maintaining a neutral position

About the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Native Title determination claim

• Lodged in October 2025 by the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People in the Federal Court of Australia
• Covers areas across greater Melbourne, including parts of PoM’s leased land and adjacent waters
• Will be determined by the Federal Court of Australia through its standard proceedings

Alignment with Port of Melbourne’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan

PoM’s participation is guided by its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), launched in October 2025, which reaffirms PoM’s commitment to advancing reconciliation and forging pathways for the success and self-determination of First Nations peoples.

Through its Innovate RAP, PoM is working to:

• Build relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations
• Deepen knowledge of First Nations histories, cultures and aspirations
• Foster respect, understanding and inclusion across the port community
• Create meaningful opportunities for First Nations peoples

What happens next

• The proceedings will continue through the Federal Court of Australia
• Port of Melbourne will engage respectfully throughout the process
• Guided by its Innovate RAP, Port of Melbourne welcomes the opportunity to respectfully engage with First Nations peoples, communities and organisations as part of its ongoing reconciliation journey