The last in a series of native title claims dating back to 1994 concluded today when the Federal Court handed over 6,758 kmsq of land to the Miriuwung, Gajerrong and Kija people of the East Kimberley.
The last in a series of native title claims dating back to 1994 concluded today when the Federal Court handed over 6,758 kmsq of land south of Lake Argyle to the Miriuwung, Gajerrong and Kija people.
They have won exclusive native title rights over foru community lease areas and shared rights and interest with pastorialists on pastoral lease land.
The end finding in the Miriuwung Gajerrong no.4 Native Title claim means that native title is recognised in over 35 per cent of land in the Kimberley region, and brings the total area of land in WA under native title to 600,000 kmsq - over twice the size of Victoria.
Kimberly Land Council Executive Director Wayne Bergmann has welcomed the Federal Court's ruling.
"The resolution of today's MG No 4 claim demonstrates what can be achieved by all parties working cooperatively together, and recognising that native title is a reality which cannot be ignored," said Mr Bergmann.
On pastoral lease land, the native titleholders have the right to live and camp on the land, they have hunting and fishing rights and the right to engage in cultural practices on the land.
They also have the right to make decisions about using the land in accordance with traditional law and custom.
However, these rights are conditional on respecting the rights of pastoralists under their leases.
"I acknowledge the leadership shown by the pastoralists involved in recognising the benefits of developing mutually beneficial long term relationships with Traditional Owners, said Mr Bergmann.
"I congratulate the Office of Native Title for their commitment and persistence in ensuring an outcome could be reached that satisfies the needs of all parties."
The relationship between the native title holders and the pastoralists is also covered by an agreement which sets out how they will live and work together on certain areas of the claim.
Native title was found to have been extinguished on some parts the claim area affected by different types of reserves and leases.
The State Government has also entered into an agreement with the Miriuwung and Gajerrong people for the joint management of a 127,000ha parcel of land at the southern end of Lake Argyle, negotiated under the Ord Final Agreement.
It allows for the creationof a reserve to protect the Lake Argyle water resource, managed jointly by the Department of Water. It will maintain and enhance the water protection elements of the lake nd the surrounding wetlands. The agreement also allows for the existing grazing activities to continue.
The Office of Native Title, Department of Water, Department of Planning and Infrastructure and local community and indigenous groups were all involved in the development of the agreement.
