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The National Native Title Tribunal today called for landholders and other interest holders affected by three native title applications in north west Queensland to register for mediation talks.
Regional Manager Craig Jones said people affected by the Mitakoodi/Juhnjlar, Yulluna People and Kalkadoon People native title applications had three months to register as parties.
"Becoming a party to the native title applications means having a say in mediation and, if necessary, in Court," he said.
Mr Jones said the Tribunal encouraged people to reach native title agreements which respected everyone's rights and interests.
"The alternative is potentially costly and lengthy Court proceedings."
The Mitakoodi/Juhnjlar application covered 27,815 square kilometres in the Shires of Carpentaria, Cloncurry and McKinlay. The Yulluna People's application covered 10,085 square kilometres in the Shires of Boulia and Cloncurry and the Kalkadoon People's application covered 55,450 square kilometres in the Shires of Boulia, Burke, Carpentaria and Cloncurry and the City of Mt Isa.
All applications excluded private freehold land, which was not claimable.
Mr Jones said Federal legislation and Court decisions had made it clear that native title could not take away the valid rights and interests of other citizens, including pastoralists and other lease or licence holders.
"There is widespread myth and misunderstanding about native title which often raises unnecessary fears," he said.
Mr Jones said that the best way for people to be kept informed and involved was to become a party to the application.
"It costs nothing to become a party to this native title application if it's done before 12 March 2001."
He said native title could not be claimed on private freehold land, but could exist on vacant Crown land, state forests, national parks, public reserves, beaches and foreshores, land held by Government agencies, and any other public or Crown lands.
"Native title may exist alongside some leases and licences, but it does not provide any right of veto over development," he said.
Further information was available by contacting the NNTT on free call 1800 640 501.
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