Parties invited to negotiate Torres Strait native title applications on Garboi, Uttu and Yarpar 

The National Native Title Tribunal has today placed advertisements inviting people with interests in land and waters covered by native title applications on and around the Torres Strait islands of Garboi (Arden Island), Uttu (Dove Island) and Yarpar (Roberts Island) to register for talks aimed at reaching negotiated agreements.

National Native Title Tribunal Regional Manager Mr Steve Ducksbury said the native title applicants had asked for their traditional rights to be recognised over the three islands, including all land, waters, seas, seabeds, reef, rivers, river beds and banks encompassed within the coastal boundaries of the islands to the high water mark. He said this notification was another stage in the process of moving towards a native title determination.

'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 Garboi and Yarpar & Uttu applications are located within the local government area of the Torres Shire Council.

Any person who thinks they may have an interest in the claim has until 3 December 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.