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The National Native Title Tribunal has today issued notices inviting people with interests in land covered by a native title application in Far North Queensland to register for talks aimed at reaching negotiated agreements.
National Native Title Tribunal Regional Manager, Mr Gary Lui, said the native title applicants, the Western Yalanji People, had asked for their traditional rights to be recognised over an area south of Laura, south-west of Cooktown.
"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 Lui 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 advertised application from the Western Yalanji People takes in a number of specific lots in the local government areas covered by the Mareeba and Cook shire councils.
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 Lui said.
Any person who thinks they may have an interest in the claim has until 30 January 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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