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A Queensland native title application, lodged originally in 1997, has taken a step towards mediation with public notices issued inviting affected landowners and other interest-holders to register for talks.
National Native Title Tribunal Regional Manager, Joanna Boileau, said that the native title claimants had asked for their traditional rights to be recognised over an area in the Rockhampton region.
"The first step in settling these applications is to hold mediation meetings aimed at reaching voluntary agreements that respect everyone's rights and interests.
"The law is clear that native title cannot take away the valid rights and interests of other citizens, including lease or licence holders.
"But these land-holders and other interest holders may want to be involved in working out how their rights can coexist with those of the Indigenous traditional owners", she said.
The application advertised is:
- Darumbal People in the Shires of Banana, Broadsound, Calliope, Fitzroy, Livingstone and Mount Morgan and Rockhampton City Council.
Not all areas of land and water within the application's external boundary are claimed: for example, the application excludes private freehold land, which is not claimable.
Any person who thinks they may have an interest in the claim has until 21 November 2001 to apply to the District Registrar of the Federal Court to "become a party" to the application.
A detailed map of the areas subject to the application is available for viewing at Shire offices as well as through the offices of the local Members of Parliament
Further information is available from the NNTT on freecall 1800 640 501.
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