Parties invited to negotiate Torres Strait native title application  

National Native Title Tribunal Regional Manager Mr Steve Ducksbury said the native title applicants in each application had asked for their traditional rights to be recognised over each island. This includes smaller islands around Ului Island as well as small islands, islets and rocks south-west and north of Moa and south of Badu.

'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 three applications cover a total area of around 12.2 square kilometres.

Any person who thinks they may have an interest in the claim has until 8 July, 2003 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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