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 south-west Queensland to register for talks aimed at reaching negotiated agreements.
Tribunal State Manager, Kevin Smith, said the native title claimant group, the Mithaka People, had applied for their traditional rights to be recognised over a 55,430 square kilometre area located 410 kilometres south of Mount Isa, roughly bounded by Birdsville to the west, Bedourie to the north and Windorah to the east.
'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.'
The majority of the area claimed covers pastoral leases and a small portion, 1,331 square kilometres, extends across the border into South Australia. Mr Smith anticipated that potential parties to the claim 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. |