A western Sydney council has been accused of attempting to implement an Indigenous ‘treaty by stealth’.

Cumberland City Council, which covers suburbs from Lidcombe to Girraween, is  planning to sign a partnership agreement with three local Indigenous corporations.

This is despite over two-thirds of residents voting against the Voice to Parliament referendum last October.

2GB host Ben Fordham said the move amounted to a ‘treaty by stealth’.

‘Plans are currently in motion to sign a Treaty between three Indigenous land councils within the Cumberland Local Government Area,’ he said on Monday. 

‘It would acknowledge that three land Cumberland is on was never ceded. It would require consultation with the three land councils before any developments are undertaken in future. 

‘It’s also proposed dual indigenous names for signs but there has been very little community consultation.’

Outspoken Cumberland councillor Steve Christou branded the move ‘absolutely disgraceful’, accusing the council of trying to ‘sneak it in under the cover of darkness’ in April.

A western Sydney council has been accused of attempting to implement an Indigenous ‘treaty by stealth’ (pictured, a Welcome to Country ceremony being performed in Melbourne in 2022)

Mr Christou said he and two colleagues objected, but the the proposal has since returned before council.

‘It was proposed that we now go to three local land councils, Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council, Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council, and Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council,’ Mr Christou said.

‘All the conditions being imposed were absolutely horrendous.’

Mr Christou said the proposal would create reams of ‘red tape’ as it would force council to consult Indigenous groups in a range of decision-making, including planning applications and street naming.

He added: ‘Cumberland voted No to the tune of 64 per cent. Our residents do not want treaties or agreements, they just want to live side-by-side, hand-in-hand with their indigenous brothers and sisters.’

Cumberland City Council, which covers suburbs from Lidcombe to Girraween, is planning to sign a partnership agreement with three local Indigenous corporations (pictured, western Sydney)

‘That is very, very concerning, because it will just stop any development or any sort of progress occurring in Cumberland,’ Mr Christou said.

‘Imagine all the red tape that’s going to be created when you have to consult on every land purchase or every negotiation or deal that council wants to implement. 

‘It’s just not on.’

He added: ‘Cumberland voted No to the tune of 64 per cent. Our residents do not want treaties or agreements, they just want to live side-by-side, hand-in-hand with their indigenous brothers and sisters.’

Daily Mail Australia contacted Cumberland City Council for comment.