|
A northern Queensland native title application has taken a step closer to mediation with public notices issued inviting affected landowners and other interest-holders to register for talks.
Senior Case Manager with the National Native Title Tribunal, Gary Lui, said that the Western Yalanji native title claim group had asked for their traditional rights to be recognised over a land area approximately 155 km north-west of Cairns.
"The first step in settling these applications is to hold mediation meetings aimed at reaching voluntary agreements that respect everyone's rights and interests", he said.
Mr Lui said: "The law is clear that native title cannot take away the valid rights and interests of other citizens.
"But these land-holders and other interest holders may want to be involved in working out how their rights can coexist with those of the Indigenous traditional owners."
The application advertised is:
Western Yalanji #5 within the Shires of Mareeba and Cook.
The application excludes private freehold land, commercial leases, exclusive agricultural, pastoral and mining leases, and residential and community purpose leases.
People with an interest have until 1 August 2001 to register with the Federal Court if they want to be involved in the mediations.
Further information is available from the NNTT on freecall 1800 640 501.
|