Native title applications around Herberton advertised 

The National Native Title Tribunal has placed advertisements in local newspapers this week inviting people with interests in land and waters covered by native title applications around Herberton and Atherton to register for talks aimed at reaching negotiated agreements.

Tribunal Regional Manager Mr Steve Ducksbury said the native title applicants, the Bar-Barrum People, had asked for their traditional rights to be recognised over four different areas in the shires of Herberton, Atherton and Mareeba. The largest of the four applications covers a 1,918 square kilometre area north of Mount Garnet, east of Herberton, south of Dimbulah and west of Almaden.

'People or organisations with interests in the areas claimed may want to be involved in working out how their rights may coexist with native title holders,' Mr Ducksbury said.

'By registering for talks, people may have the opportunity to participate in mediation meetings with the applicants and other parties. The Tribunal conducts these meetings, aiming to resolve associated issues and reach voluntary agreements that respect everyone's rights and interests. The mediation process is the first step in determining these applications.'

Any person who thinks they may have an interest in the claim has until 11 June 2003 to apply to the District Registrar of the Federal Court to 'become a party' to the application. The Federal Court is responsible for deciding who can be a party to an application and whether or not mediation should take place. The Federal Court refers the application to the Tribunal when it has decided that mediation is required.

Further information is available from the NNTT on freecall 1800 640 501.