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Native Title recognised in Top End supplied by Sen Scullion’s office 30 November 2015
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hirteen native title claims over pastoral leases in the Northern Territory were finalised this week with the Federal Court recognising almost 40,000 square kilometres in the Top End. Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, said today the determinations covered 11 pastoral leases around Borroloola and two south of Katherine. “I am pleased all parties have worked together to resolve these claims, which provide certainty to traditional owners and pastoralists,” Minister Scullion said. “I congratulate the Wurdaliya, Rrumburriya, Mambaliya and Wuyaliya people of the Gulf country around Borroloola and the Liwaja and BeregumayinNgarrajanangu people south of Katherine who now have certainty that their rights and interests are preserved for future generations. “These claims have been determined by consent as part of a Federal Court initiative established in 2010 which fast-tracks the settlement of native title claims over Northern Territory pastoral leases. “These determinations bring the total number of successful claims in the Top End to 62 since 2011, which represents almost 20 per cent of all determinations made across Australia to date. “The Government is committed to practical action to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Women perform traditional dancing at the Borroloola native title ceremony. Image abc.net.au
Islander people realise the potential of their land. These determinations provide a real foundation to build sustainable economic and cultural outcomes and open up the opportunities being created in the Top End by the Northern Australia White Paper.” This week’s determinations covered the following pastoral leases: Greenbank, Manangoora, Spring Creek, Seven Emu (all Aboriginal-owned), Pungalina, Wollogorang, Kiana, Calvert Hills, McArthur River, Walhallow and Mallapunyah Springs around Borroloola; and Banjo and Gilnockie south of Katherine. The claimants were all represented by the Northern Land Council which is supported by Commonwealth funding.
The Federal Court has handed down 28 positive native title determinations this year.
Justice John Mansfield presents Borroloola native title claimant Asman Rory with his certificate. Image abc. net.au
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