| The National Native Title Tribunal is placing advertisements in local newspapers this week to let people know about a native title claim lodged by the Wellington Valley Wiradjuri People in north-west New South Wales.
Under the Native Title Act, the Tribunal is required to notify the public about a native title claim so that people who hold an interest in the claimed area can apply to the Federal Court, within a period of three months, to become a respondent party to the claim.
The New South Wales Government has advised the Tribunal of groups that hold interests in the area, including people who hold fishing licences, grazing licences, enclosure permits and mining leases. The Tribunal will be writing directly to these people to let them know about the application.
Wellington Valley Wiradjuri People lodged the native title application with the Federal Court in August 2009. The Native Title Registrar accepted the application for registration on 18 December 2009.
The external boundary of the claimed area extends to the towns of Orange, Wellington and Mudgee, and is located north of Bathurst, south of Dubbo and east of Parkes. Not all land within the external boundary is claimed.
Native title can only be claimed over certain areas of land or water, for example on vacant or unallocated crown land, national parks, state forests and nature reserves. Native title cannot be claimed on freehold land or public works like roads, schools or hospitals.
Tribunal Member John Sosso said it was important to note that all existing valid interests, such as leases, licences or permits over the area were protected.
“People or organisations with these types of interests in the claim area may want to be involved in working out how their rights may co-exist with those of the Wellington Valley Wiradjuri People if their native title is recognised by the Federal Court,” Mr Sosso said.
“By becoming a respondent party, people have the opportunity to participate in mediation meetings with the applicants and other parties. These meetings aim to resolve issues and reach agreements that respect everyone’s rights and interests.”
Any person or organisation with an interest in the claim has until 29 September 2010 to apply to the Registrar of the Federal Court to become a party to the application.
For more information phone the Tribunal on 1800 640 501 or visit www.nntt.gov.au. |