People with an interest in two areas of land in Western Australia's mid-west region have an opportunity to respond to new native title applications and take part in any future negotiations to resolve the claims.
The applications, near Geraldton, are advertised by the National Native Title Tribunal today so that people who might be affected - including miners, pastoralists, State and local governments - can register to become parties to the procedure.
The Tribunal's state manager, Lillian Maher, said the Amangu people and the Widi Binyardi claim group had asked the Federal Court for their traditional rights to be recognised over their respective claim areas.
‘By registering their interest, people may have the opportunity to participate in mediation meetings with the applicants and other parties,’ Ms Maher said.
‘The Tribunal conducts these meetings, aiming to help parties develop better relationships and, where possible, achieve a negotiated agreement.’
The Amangu people's application covers about 27,390 square kilometres of land and water near Geraldton and falls within the City of Geraldton and the Shire Councils of Carnamah, Chapman Valley, Greenough, Irwin, Mingenew, Morawa, Mullewa, Northampton, Perenjori, Three Springs and Yalgoo.
The Widi Binyardi application covers 27,290 square kilometres and sits approximately 100 kilometres east of Geraldton. It extends from the towns of Pindar, Mingenew, Three Springs and Pithara in the west to the boundary of the Badimia People's native title application in the east.
In almost all cases native title rights, if they can be established, would co-exist with other land uses. Not all areas of land and water within the external boundaries of the applications can be claimed: for example, private freehold land is exempt from native title claims.
Public advertisements have been placed in The West Australian, the Koori Mail and regional press to ensure that all potential interest holders are made aware of the application.
Any person or organisation with an interest in the claim areas has until 31 August 2005 to respond by writing to the District Registrar of the Federal Court. Further information is available from the NNTT on freecall 1800 640 501.
|