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The National Native Title Tribunal has moved to start mediating the Wadi Wadi native title application in the Nyah area of north west Victoria to help people reach out of court agreements.
Victorian State Manager Ms Sue Kee said the Tribunal had placed advertisements in local and metropolitan newspapers giving interest holders three months (until 25 October) to register as parties if they wanted to join the mediation.
Ms Kee said the Tribunal has also sent about 30 letters to people with registered interests in the application area inviting them to join the mediation. Registered interest holders include people with licences to graze stock along the river frontage, store equipment, lay pipes, keep bees, draw water and conduct recreational activities.
Ms Kee said native title did not threaten the valid rights and interests of other citizens, including those with licences and permits to use crown land.
"We're advertising these applications so that anyone with an interest in the land covered by the applications can be involved in discussions about whether native title exists in the area and, if so, how it might be recognised and respected in a way that preserves everyone's interests."
"Any interest holder wanting to become a party needs to contact the Federal Court in Melbourne before 25 October 2000. The Court will then decide who to formally accept as parties to the proceedings, and when the Tribunal should start mediation meetings."
The Wadi Wadi application covers approximately 14.2 square kilometres of crown reserves (including forest reserves, timber reserves, recreation reserves) adjacent to the Murray River in the Nyah area, near Swan Hill. The application does not cover any areas of private freehold property. The application was lodged on 5 June 1997, and passed the new registration test on 31 May 2000.
Further information is available by contacting the NNTT on freecall 1800 640 501.
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