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The National Native Title Tribunal today called for landholders and other interest holders affected by nine native title applications in Western Australia to register for mediation talks.
State Manager Andrew Jaggers said people affected by the applications had three months to register as parties.
"Becoming a party to a native title application means having a say in mediation and, if necessary, in Court," he said.
Mr Jaggers said mediation aimed to reach native title agreements that respected everyone's rights and interests.
"The alternative is potentially costly and lengthy Court proceedings."
The applications - five of which were in the Midwest/Gascoyne region, two in the North West, one in the South West, and one in the Great Southern area - all excluded private freehold land, which was not claimable.
Mr Jaggers said Federal legislation and Court decisions had made it clear that native title could not take away the valid rights and interests of other citizens, including lease or licence holders.
"There is widespread myth and misunderstanding about native title which often raises unnecessary fears," he said.
Mr Jaggers said that if people with an interest in the land and waters wanted to be involved the best way was to become a party to the application.
"There is no fee to become a party to this native title application if it's done before 16 April 2001."
He said native title could not be claimed on private freehold land or commercial, residential or exclusive agricultural leases, but could exist on vacant Crown land, state forests, national parks, beaches and foreshores, land held by Government agencies, and any other public or Crown lands and waters.
"Native title may exist alongside some pastoral leases and licences, but it does not provide any right of veto over development," he said.
Further information was available by contacting the NNTT on freecall 1800 640 501.
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