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The National Native Title Tribunal has today placed advertisements inviting people with interests in land covered by three native title applications north-west of Cairns to register for talks aimed at reaching negotiated agreements.
National Native Title Tribunal Regional Manager, Mr Stephen Ducksbury, said the native title applicants - the Western Yalanji People, the Djungan People and the Muluridji People - had asked for their traditional rights to be recognised over three separate areas in the Mareeba Shire. He said this notification was another stage in the process of moving towards native title determinations.
'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 Ducksbury 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 application from the Western Yalanji People covers a total area of about 114.9 square kilometres approximately 63 kilometres north-west of Cairns. The Djungan People's application covers a total area of about 50.85 square kilometres approximately 68 kilometres north-west of Cairns, and the Muluridji People's application covers a total area of about 74.5 square kilometres approximately 60 kilometres north-west of Cairns.
Not all areas of land and water within the applications' external boundaries are claimed: for example, the application excludes private freehold land.
Any person who thinks they may have an interest in the claim has until 7 May 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.
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