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The National Native Title Tribunal has placed advertisements in newspapers today to notify people about a native title application that covers Sassie Island and surrounding islets in Queensland's Torres Strait.
Tribunal regional manager Mr Steve Ducksbury said the advertisements are aimed at people with a possible interest in the claim area, allowing them to apply to become a party so that they can be included in negotiations.
He said the native title applicants, the Warraberalgal, Porumalgal and Iama Peoples, had asked for their traditional rights to be recognised over the 10.4 square-kilometre island, including the adjacent small islets to the east and south-east in the Torres Strait, approximately 80 kilometres north-east of Cape York.
Not all land and waters within the external boundary may be claimed. For example, privately held freehold land within that boundary is excluded.
‘People or organisations with interests in the area claimed may want to be involved in working out how their rights may coexist with those of native title holders,' Mr Ducksbury 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 issues and reach voluntary agreements that respect everyone's rights and interests.’
Anyone who has an interest that may be affected has until 29 September 2004 to apply to the Federal Court. Further information about the claim and how to become a party is available from the National Native Title Tribunal on freecall 1800 640 501.
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