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 in north-west Queensland to register for talks aimed at reaching negotiated agreements.
Tribunal State Manager, Kevin Smith, said the native title claimant group, the Waluwarra People, had applied for their traditional rights to be recognised over a 2,218 square kilometre area located approximately 23 kilometres south of Mount Isa, within the Boulia and Cloncurry Shire Council.
'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,' he 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.'
'Waluwarra People #2' is the second native title application lodged by this group. The first, 'Waluwarra Georgina People', was lodged in 1997 over an adjoining area, which is approximately 21,353 square kilometres.
Mr Smith anticipated that potential parties to the claim, which covers pastoral leases, might be groups and individuals with pastoral, government and mining 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 claimed area has until 1 October 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. |