Parties invited to negotiate native title claim, Geraldton 

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 near Geraldton in Western Australia's mid-west region to register for talks aimed at reaching negotiated agreements.

The Tribunal's State Manager, Andrew Jaggers, said the native title claimants, the 'Taylor Group' were seeking recognition of their traditional rights over a 10,190 square kilometre area located south of Dongara and west of Perenjori.

'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 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.'

Mr Jaggers anticipated that parties to the claim would be groups or individuals with leasehold, mining and government 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 claim has until 12 May 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.