Parties invited to negotiate Wuthathi native title application  

National Native Title Tribunal Regional Manager Mr Steve Ducksbury said the native title applicants, the Wuthathi People, had asked for their traditional rights to be recognised over an area of about 1,176.6 square kilometres adjacent to Shelburne Bay,120 kilometres north-east of Weipa and south of Captain Billy Landing.

'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 Wuthathi People's application is located in the northern portion of the Shire of Cook.

An application of native title excludes private freehold land and certain leasehold land.

Any person who thinks they may have an interest in the claim has until 11 June 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.