Six native title applications in Queensland have taken a step closer to mediation with public notices issued inviting affected landholders and other interest holders to consider registering for talks.
National Native Title Tribunal Regional Manager Craig Jones said the native title claimants had asked for their traditional rights to be recognised over the areas.
"The first step in trying to settle these applications is to hold mediation meetings aimed at reaching voluntary agreements that respect everyone's rights and interests," he said.
Mr Jones said the law was clear that native title could not take away the valid rights and interests of other citizens, including lease or licence holders.
"But these landholders and other interest holders may want to be involved in working out how their rights can sit along side those of indigenous traditional owners."
He said people affected by the native title applications had until 6 June 2001 to register with the Federal Court if they wanted to become formally involved in the discussions.
The applications were:
- Gooreng Gooreng People #2: within the local government areas of Banana, Burnett, Calliope, Fitzroy, Miriam Vale and Monto;
- Gurang People: within the local government areas of Gladstone, Burnett, Calliope, Fitzroy, Kolan, Livingstone, Miriam Vale, Monto and Perry;
- Ghungalu: within the local government areas of Bauhinia, Duaringa and Emerald;
- Taribelang Bunda People: within the local government areas of Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Biggenden, Burnett, Isis, Kolan, Miriam Vale and Perry;
- Wangkumarra People #2: within the local government areas of Barcoo, Bulloo and Quilpie and parts of north western NSW; and
- Bidjara #3: within the local government areas of Barcaldine, Bauhinia, Blackall, Booringa, Bungil, Emerald, Jericho, Murweh, Paroo, Quilpie, Tambo and Taroom.
All the applications excluded private freehold land, which was not claimable. |