The National Native Title Tribunal has today issued notices inviting people with interests in land covered by a native title application within the shires of Chapman Valley, Cue, Meekatharra, Mount Magnet, Mullewa, Murchison, Northampton, Upper Gascoyne and Yalgoo in Western Australia to register for talks aimed at reaching negotiated agreements.
National Native Title Tribunal State Manager, Mr Andrew Jaggers, said the native title claimants on behalf of the Wajarri People, had asked for their traditional rights to be recognised over an area of about 83,030 square kilometres, approximately 90 kilometres north-east of Geraldton. He said that much of the claim area had already been notified on 17 January 2001. The claim was being notified again because the native title claimants had recently amended the Wajarri Elders claim to combine with another previously un-notified claim.
"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 Jaggers said.
"By registering for talks, these people may have the opportunity to participate in mediation meetings with the claimants and other parties. The Tribunal conducts these meetings, aiming to resolve associated issues and reach voluntary agreements that respect everyone's rights and interests. This mediation process is the first step in determining these applications."
The advertised application is Ike Simpson, C Hamlet, C Snowball, B Pearce, M Walgar, M Mourambine, R Boddington, G Egan, R Simpson, D Jones and L Merritt on behalf of the Wajarri People v The State of Western Australia and Others (The Wajarri Elders).
Not all areas of land and water within the application's external boundary are claimed: for example, the application excludes private freehold land, which is not claimable.
"The law states that native title cannot take away the valid rights and interests of other citizens, including lease or licence holders," Mr Jaggers said.
Any person who thinks they may have an interest in the claim has until 27 February 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. |