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The Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) is undergoing a period of substantial change in policy and practice. A recent stocktake of ILC purchased properties clearly demonstrates that ownership of land does not necessarily equate to benefits to people. Though the significance of the return of 'country' and the tangible and intangible social and cultural benefits accruing to Indigenous owners are not denied, the capacity of landowners to derive real economic benefit has often been subservient to getting the land in the first place. Much of this can be explained in political terms but that debate is not for this short paper to engage in. A congruence between existing regional planning involving strategic partnerships with native title representative bodies and ATSIC regional councils is being coupled with a shift toward more rigour in assessing applications. Leading from this research and policy-driven behaviour, a critical focus on sustainability, capacity-building and real benefits to people is driving the ILC toward more pragmatic practices.