Native title claim advertised for first time in Tasmania 

The National Native Title Tribunal has placed advertisements in Tasmanian newspapers for the first time this week, inviting people with interests in land covered by a native title application in the north-west of the state to register to become parties to the claim.

This is the first Tasmanian native title application to reach the public notification stage.

National Native Title Tribunal Senior Case Manager Mr Ian Campbell-Fraser said the native title applicant had asked for his traditional rights to be recognised over a 1.3 square kilometre area on Tasmania's north-west coast north of Temma and south of Arthur River.

'People or organisations with interests in the area claimed may want to be involved in working out how their rights may coexist with the native title holder,' Mr Campbell-Fraser said.

'By registering for talks, people may have the opportunity to participate in mediation meetings with the applicant 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.'

Known as Sundown Point, the native title application falls within the municipality of Circular Head.

Not all areas of land and water within the application's external boundary are claimed: for example, it excludes private freehold land.

Any person who thinks they may have an interest in the claim has until 28 April 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.