| An agreement by the 12 Hopevale clans to lodge a joint claim under the Native Title Act shows how communities can use the Act to help resolve longstanding issues, Tribunal Deputy President Hal Wootten QC said today.
Mr Wootten was speaking at a conference in Cairns, at which the clans announced their historic agreement.
"The history of a number of DOGIT communities like Hopevale has left a legacy of tensions which can erupt into conflict," Mr Wootten said.
Last year two of the Hopevale clans lodged claims to areas within the DOGIT (Deed of Grant in Trust). The Tribunal has been conducting mediation meetings between the claimant clans and the rest of the community.
This week all clans took the initiative by deciding to lodge a cooperative claim to the whole DOGIT area with assistance from Cape York Land Council and their legal advisers.
They have drawn up a scheme to recognise their separate estates and settle any boundary disputes amicably.
The local government functions of the Hopevale Community Council and the historical rights of other residents will be respected.
"I congratulate the clans and Cape York Land Council on an agreement that may become a model for other communities," Mr Wootten said.
A media conference will be held at 12 noon Friday 23 February at Rydges Hotel, corner of Grafton and Spencer Streets, Cairns. The media conference will be addressed by Noel Pearson, Hal Wootten QC and representatives from all 12 Hopevale clans.
|