Sydney Harbour's Me-Mel (Goat Island) Is Set to Be Returned to Its Indigenous Owners

Sat in the middle of Sydney Harbour, Me-Mel isn't just one of the city's many scenic sites surrounded by glistening water. Also known as Goat Island, it's a pivotal part of New South Wales' Indigenous history, and was inhabited by Eora leaders Bennelong and Barangaroo in the late 18th and early 19th century. It's on the New South Wales State Heritage Register, but the NSW Government is now going a step further to recognise its past — reverting ownership of Me-Mel back to the Aboriginal community.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet announced on Sunday, May 29, that the iconic island will be transferred back to its Traditional Owners. It'll also receive $43 million in funding for its restoration.

"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," said Perrottet.

"A big part of my commitment is ensuring the island is remediated before it's transferred to the Aboriginal community," the Premier continued.

"Through the NSW Budget 2022–23, we're delivering $42.9 million to regenerate and restore Me-Mel, and ultimately pave the way for the transfer back to the Aboriginal community."

Views over Sydney Harbour from Goat Island, Sydney.

That cash will cover restoration work over four years, including "repairing seawalls and buildings, improving the wharf and access, upgrading services such as water and sewers, and removing contaminants like asbestos," advised NSW Treasurer Matt Kean.

After those upgrades and maintenance work — so, likely in 2026 — the transfer will take place. Expressions of interest are now open for members of the Indigenous community to join the Me-Mel Transfer Committee, which will fall under the National Parks and Wildlife Service, to oversee the process, make recommendations about the transfer to Aboriginal ownership, and also assist with determining how Me-Mel will be managed and used afterwards.

The island's history also features 30 buildings and other structures that are still onsite, dating from the 1830s through to the 1960s.

Until the transfer occurs, Me-Mel will still be managed by NPWS — and will remain open to the public both before and after the change of ownership.

For more information about the transfer of Me-Mel (Goat Island) back to the Indigenous community, read the NSW Government press release or visit the NSW Department of Planning and Environment website.

Images: Destination NSW.