| The National Native Title Tribunal has placed advertisements in today's newspapers inviting people with interests in land and water covered by 12 native title applications in the Northern Territory to register for talks aimed at reaching negotiated agreements.
Tribunal State Manager, Mr Ian Williams, said that a number of native title applicants were seeking legal recognition of native title rights and interests over areas across the Territory, with three of the claims in the Central Land Council region and nine in the Northern Land Council region.
'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,' he 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.'
The advertised applications are:
Northern Land Council region - Pine Creek #3; Killarney; Town of Larrimah; Labelle Downs; Pigeon Hole; Lorella-Nathan River; New Wanderrie Road; Rockhampton-Brunette Downs; and Newcastle Waters No.2.
Central Land Council region - Tennant Creek; Dulcie Ranges; and Deep Well.
Mr Williams said that seven of the claims covered pastoral leases, four were in town areas and one claim, Dulcie Ranges, was over a National Park in the Central Land Council region.
The seven claims over pastoral leases were lodged in response to notices the Northern Territory Government had published, signalling its intention to grant exploration licences.
The New Wanderrie Road application was lodged in response to the Government's intention to compulsorily acquire the land now covered by the application.
Any person who thinks they may have an interest in one or more of these claims has until 29 October 2003 to apply to the District Registrar of the Federal Court to 'become a party' to the application/s. 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.
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