|
The National Native Title Tribunal has placed advertisements in local newspapers this week inviting people with interests in an area of land and water
covered by a native title application around Quilpie to register for talks aimed at reaching negotiated agreements.
National Native Title Tribunal State Manager, Mr Tony Shelley, said the native title applicants, the Mardigan People, had asked for their traditional rights to be recognised over the approximately 28,580 square kilometre area in south-west Queensland.
The area claimed excludes pastoral leases as well as areas where valid rights already exist, such as freehold title.
The application is the result of a 1999 order by the Federal Court to combine the Mardigan People #1 and Mardigan #2 applications.
"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 Shelley 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 application takes in the shire council areas of Bulloo, Paroo and Quilpie although not all areas of land and water within the application's external boundary are claimed.
Any person who thinks they may have an interest in the claim has until 20 May 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.
|