The National Native Title Tribunal has placed advertisements in today's newspapers inviting people with interests in land and waters covered by a native title application in the Lithgow area of New South Wales to register for talks aimed at reaching negotiated agreements.
Tribunal State Manager, Andrew Solomon, said the native title claimant group, the Wiradjuri People, had applied for their traditional rights to be recognised over a 9.5 square kilometre area located approximately 23 kilometres north-west of Lithgow, within the Greater City Council of Lithgow.
'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 as a party to the application people may have the opportunity to participate in mediation meetings with the claimants and other parties. The Tribunal conducts these meetings, aiming to resolve issues and reach voluntary agreements that respect everyone's rights and interests. This mediation process is usually the first step in determining these applications.'
The Wiradjuri People lodged the application in response to notices the State Government published about their proposal to grant two mining leases and to compulsorily acquire an area of land. The area claimed covers parts of the Ben Bullen State Forest including two mining lease applications, nos. 78 and 202, and an area subject to the notice for compulsory acquisition.
Mr Solomon anticipated that potential parties to the claim might be groups and individuals with mining and forestry interests.
'The law states that native title cannot take away the valid rights and interests of other citizens, including freehold, lease or licence holders.'
Any person who thinks they may have an interest in the claimed area has until 1 October 2003 to apply to 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 National Native Title Tribunal on freecall 1800 640 501. |