MEMBERS of a Darug community group in Blacktown have made their first legal move to reclaim land given to their ancestors by Governor Lachlan Macquarie in 1816.
Darug Tribal Aboriginal Corporation's lawyers, Allens, wrote to the NSW government last week asking it to preserve the first indigenous land grant site.
The land is now partly owned by the state government and a private landowner and is earmarked as a housing estate.
A spokesman for Heritage and Environment Minister Robyn Parker confirmed she had received a letter from a law firm acting for the Darug group and that she was considering her response.
A spokesman for the developer, Legacy Property Pty Ltd, also confirmed receipt of a letter but declined to comment.
The 10-hectare plot at the corner of Rooty Hill Road North and Richmond Road led to the establishment of an indigenous settlement called Black Town.
Governor Macquarie granted the land to two Aboriginal men, Colebee and Nurragingy, in recognition of their assistance to European settlers.
The action group wants the NSW government to preserve the site of Australia's first ever indigenous land grant against future development.
Darug Tribal Aboriginal Corporation secretary Aunty Sandra Lee said the Darug people wanted the state government to step in and stop development of the site.
"We believe the Colebee and Nurragingy land grant site is part of a wonderful story that should be shared with the community," Mrs Lee said.
"It's time that the Colebee and Nurragingy land grant site was promoted and celebrated within our broader community."