Deed of Grant in Trust 1986

1985 – A significant step towards self-determination for our community occurs when Cherbourg is granted a Deed of Grant in Trust (DOGIT) from the Queensland Government, along with Palm Island, Woorabinda, Hopevale, Yarrabah, Injinoo, New Mapoon and most of the Torres Strait islands.
Independence comes at a cost. Following the DOGIT transfer, government-owned assets are removed, shut down or sold. Successful industries are closed down and the machinery is sold. People lose their jobs and the town loses money.
Without these assets, the Community Council becomes dependent on Commonwealth and State government funding, as do many families and individuals.