Native Title recognised for over 120,000 hectares in the Gulf of Carpentaria

Traditional owners of the Wellesley Islands in the Gulf of Carpentaria have been formally recognised as the Native Title holders of over 120,000 hectares of land.

Natural Resources and Water Minister, Craig Wallace travelled to Mornington Island today for the Federal Court consent determination, confirming the exclusive and non-exclusive native title of the Lardil, Yangkaal, Gangalidda and Kaiadilt people over the land spread across the 23 islands.

Mr Wallace said the determination handed down by Justice Jeffrey Spender was a significant achievement for the native title holders, ensuring they can continue to care for their land as their people have for centuries.

“This is a momentous occasion, affirming that the Lardil, Yangkaal, Gangalidda and Kaiadilt are the custodians of their ancestors land,” Mr Wallace said.

“This decision recognises their long and enduring connection with the Wellesley Islands group, and provides certainly for people with interests in the region by determining who holds native title rights and interests, and the extent of those rights and interests.

“It means Australia’s legal system formally acknowledges the rights of the native title claimants to camp, hunt, fish and gather in the area, in accordance with their traditional laws and customs.”

Mr Wallace said the Federal Court determination follows two years of negotiations between the native title claimants, the Department of Natural Resources and Water’s Indigenous Services Unit, and other parties including Mornington Shire Council.

“An in-principle agreement was reached in October 2008, making this settlement one of the quickest in Australia,” Mr Wallace said.

“This is a great example of how parties working together can achieve quicker and better outcomes in native title negotiations.

“The Bligh Government is committed to working with the indigenous community to recognise native title holders and today’s determination highlights the positive results which can come from such co-operative negotiations.”

Mr Wallace said the parties also agreed to exclude the township of Gununa from the claim area.

“This means the Mornington Shire Council, supported by government, can efficiently and effectively deliver and build the necessary services and infrastructure for this community in the future.

“This is a positive outcome for the people of Mornington Island, and indeed the entire Wellesley Islands area.”

Mr Wallace said the consent determination handed down by Justice Spender marks the 43^rd native title determination in Queensland.

“In fact, more than 50 percent of consent native title determinations in Australia relate to our state, illustrating Queensland’s excellent record when it comes to recognising native title.

“We will continue to work with the indigenous community to advance reconciliation and recognise native title holders in our state,” Mr Wallace said.

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