Explore the Resort

forest resort traditional owners

On 25 June 2006, (agreement registered May 5, 2006) a land use agreement was finalized and celebrated between Forest Resort and the traditional land owners, the Dja Dja Wurrung People. This is the first time an Indigenous Land Use Agreement has been successfully negotiated between traditional owners of the land and a golf course owner.

The agreement:

  • Allows Forest Resort to expand its golf course onto approximately 50 acres of crown land (subject to a native title claim by the Dja Dja Wurrung people)
  • Protects any Aboriginal cultural heritage on the land
  • Recognises the Dja Dja Wurrung people as traditional owners of the area

As a result of the land use agreement and the positive relationship established between the resort and the Dja Dja Wurrung people, Forest Resort will:

  • Feature interpretive indigenous story boards on all golf course fairways
  • Develop Aboriginal native gardens throughout the resort
  • Incorporate Aboriginal artistic elements within the Novotel Hotel complex
  • Educate visitors about the local indigenous culture
  • Provide opportunities for local indigenous people to gain employment at the resort (ranging from green keepers to management)
  • Re-vegetate nine hectares of forest