|
The National Native Title Tribunal has today issued notices inviting people with interests in land covered by a native title application in the Kalgoorlie region in WA to register for talks aimed at reaching negotiated agreements.
National Native Title Tribunal State Manager, Mr Andrew Jaggers, said the area subject to the application covered an area of 66,860 square kilometres around Kalgoorlie, extending west of Southern Cross.
"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," Mr Jaggers said.
"By registering for talks, these people may have the opportunity to participate in mediation meetings with the claimants and other parties. The Tribunal conducts these meetings, aiming to resolve associated issues and reach voluntary agreements that respect everyone's rights and interests. This mediation process is the first step in determining these applications."
The advertised application is Brian Champion and Others on behalf of the Kalamaia Kabu(d)n People v The State of Western Australia and Others (Kalamaia Kabu(d)n People). The application area falls within the shires of Coolgardie, Dundas, Menzies, Merredin, Mukinbudin, Nungarin, Westonia and Yilgarn as well as the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
Not all areas of land and water within the application's external boundary are claimed: for example, the application excludes private freehold land, which is not claimable.
"The law states that native title cannot take away the valid rights and interests of other citizens, including lease or licence holders," Mr Jaggers said.
Any person who thinks they may have an interest in the claim has until 27 February 2002 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.
Further information is available from the NNTT on freecall 1800 640 501.
|