Jervis Bay Territory

The Jervis Bay Territory was bought by the Commonwealth Government (Australia's Federal Government) in 1915 from the state of New South Wales so the Federal capital would have access to the sea.

It is located approximately 200 km south of Sydney by road, and occupies an area of around 6,500 ha. Census reveals approximately 760 people live in the territory, the majority working and living at the Royal Australian Navy base of HMAS Creswell.

91% of the territory is Aboriginal land, including Booderee National Park.

The territory adheres roughly to Australian Capital Territory law. Its residents do not have representation at the local or state level, there is however a Jervis Bay Administration that handles matters normally concerned with local or state government.