The National Native Title Tribunal has today issued notices inviting people with interests in land covered by a native title application within the shires of Carpentaria, Croydon, Mareeba and Etheridge in North Queensland, to register for talks aimed at reaching negotiated agreements.
National Native Title Tribunal Regional Manager, Mr Stephen Ducksbury, said the native title claimants, the Tagalaka People, had asked for their traditional rights to be recognised over an area south east of Normanton.
'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, 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, Tagalaka People #2, covers an area of about 35,570 square kilometres.
Not all areas of land and water within the application's external boundary are claimed: for example, the application excludes private freehold land.
'The law states that native title cannot take away the valid rights and interests of other citizens, including lease or licence holders,' Mr Ducksbury said.
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.
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