New Pilbara claim an opportunity for mediation
| 10/08/2005 |
Pastoralists and other people with an interest in an area of land in the Pilbara region of Western Australia have an opportunity to respond to a new native title claim put forward by local Indigenous people.
The claim covers about 6900 square kilometres of land and falls within three pastoral leases and two local government areas - the East Pilbara and Meekatharra Shire Councils.
It has been lodged by the Ngarlawangga people and is located 20 kilometres southwest of Newman, covering parts of Bulloo Downs, Prairie Downs and Turee Creek stations. Most of the land has never been subject to a native title claim before.
The claim was accepted for registration by the Registrar of the National Native Title Tribunal and has been advertised in newspapers today so that people who might be affected can apply to the Federal Court to become a party.
The Tribunal has also personally notified those parties currently identified by the State as having an interest within the claim area.
The Pilbara Native Title Service is representing the Ngarlawangga people in their claim.
Senior case manager for the Tribunal Chris Scoggin said becoming a party to a native title claim meant everyone with an interest in the claim area could put forward their views about those interests and how native title may affect them. They might also be invited to take part in any meetings to mediate the settlement of the claim.
‘Sitting down and talking is often the best way to resolve differences and come up with an agreed position everyone can be happy with,’ she said. ‘It is also an opportunity for people with a common interest to build on their relationships for the future.’
Any person or organisation with an interest in the claim area has until 23 November 2005 to respond by applying to the District Registrar of the Federal Court. Further information is available from the Tribunal on freecall 1800 640 501.
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| Charlie Wilson-Clark |
| 08 9268 7315 |
| 0419 441 504 |
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