The Eastern Guruma native tital determination, resolved by mutual consent of local indigenous people and mining interests among others, was ratified today at a Federal Court hearing near Tom Price.
The determination, which grants non-exclusive posession native title rights over three pastoral leases, two reserves and numerous mining leases, covers around 6,000 kmsq of land.
The full text of an announcement from Deputy Premier Eric Ripper is pasted below
Western Australia continues to lead the country in native title negotiations, with the recognition of native title over another 6,000sq.km of land in the mineral rich Pilbara region.
The Eastern Guruma native title determination, WA's 11th determination resolved by consent, was ratified by the Federal Court today at a hearing near Tom Price.
The resolution of the Eastern Guruma claim brings the total area of determined land in WA to approximately 620,000 sq.km, more than 20 times that of any other State.
Speaking at the determination, Deputy Premier Eric Ripper said he was impressed with the quick resolution of the claim.
Mr Ripper said it took less than a year to reach agreement with all the parties.
"The swift resolution of this claim was assisted by a pre-existing Indigenous Land Use Agreement between the Eastern Guruma people and Hamersley Iron and a willingness on behalf of all the other parties to work together," he said.
"Negotiation is the State Government's preferred approach and, as our record shows, it has been a very successful approach.
"Through negotiation, outcomes can be achieved quickly and long-lasting relationships are formed which benefit all the parties.
"These relationships are particularly important in the post-determination environment, when parties may be required to work together over future developments."
The Eastern Guruma determination recognises non-exclusive possession native title rights over three pastoral leases, two reserves and numerous mining leases.
Parties to the claim included pastoralists, mining interests (such as Hamersley Iron and Robe River Mining), Telstra and the Shire of Ashburton.
