The National Native Title Tribunal has placed advertisements in metropolitan and regional newspapers today, notifying people with a possible interest in a native title claim extending from the Brisbane region to east of Toowoomba, north to Esk and south to Boonah in south-east Queensland.
The native title claim, made by the Jagera People, covers an area of 6,103 square kilometres falling within the local government areas of Brisbane City Council, Gold Coast City Council, Ipswich City Council, Toowoomba City Council, Logan City Council and the shire councils of Beaudesert, Boonah, Crows Nest, Esk, Gatton, Laidley and Redland.
Tribunal regional manager Ms Therese Forde said the advertisements notified people with an interest in the claim area to apply to become parties so they can be included in negotiations.
She said the Jagera People had asked for their traditional rights and interests to be recognised over the claim area. However, not all areas of land and waters within the external boundary were claimed, for example, private freehold land is excluded.
‘By registering as a party to the application, people may have the opportunity to participate in mediation meetings with the claimants and other parties,’ Ms Forde said.
‘The Tribunal conducts these meetings with the goal of reaching agreements that respect everyone's rights.’
Anyone with an interest that will be affected has until 18 August 2004 to apply to the Federal Court. Further information about the claim and how to become a party is available from the NNTT on freecall 1800 640 501. |