The National Native Title Tribunal today called for landholders and other interest holders affected by a 23,829 square kilometre native title application in south western New South Wales to register for mediation talks.
State Manager Andrew Solomon said people affected by the Muthi Muthi native title application had three months to register as parties.
"Becoming a party to the native title application means having a say in mediation and, if necessary, in Court," he said.
Mr Solomon said mediation aimed to reach native title agreements that respected everyone's rights and interests.
"The alternative is potentially costly and lengthy Court proceedings."
The native title application was mainly centred on Balranald Shire and encompassed an area roughly bounded by Euston, the Murray and Edward Rivers to Moolpa, Maude, Booligal, Willandra Creek and Mungo National Park. It excluded all private freehold land, which was not claimable.
Mr Solomon 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 lease or licence holders.
"There is widespread myth and misunderstanding about native title which often raises unnecessary fears," he said.
Mr Solomon said that if people with an interest in the land and waters wanted to be involved the best way was to become a party to the application.
"There is no fee 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 or commercial, residential or exclusive agricultural leases, 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 grazing 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. |