Media Centre
29/07/09Native title determination enlarges expansive Cape York recognition
Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Minister Stephen Robertson today welcomed the Federal Court's determination to recognise native title in an additional 115,000 hectares of Cape York.
Mr Robertson said the Native Title Consent Determination by the Federal Court in Aurukun now recognised the Wik and Wik Way People's native title rights over 19,672 square kilometres in the Cape.
"The consent determination recognises non-exclusive rights for the Wik and Wik Way People to live and camp in the area," Mr Robertson said.
"It also gives them the right to conduct social, religious, cultural, spiritual and ceremonial activities in the area.
"This is the fourth successful determination for the Wik and Wik Way People.
"It is also Queensland's 45th successful native title determination and the 42nd by consent."
The comprehensive agreement covers lands and waters on the western side of Cape York Peninsula between Weipa and Aurukun within parts of two mining leases held by Rio Tinto Aluminium Limited.
The determination was reached following completion of negotiations between the Wik and Wik Way People, the Queensland Government, Rio Tinto Aluminium Limited, Ports Corporation of Queensland, Cook Shire Council, Albatross Hire Pty Ltd (trading as Weipa Houseboats) and the Queensland Seafood Industry Association as an agent for several commercial fishing authority holders.
"The State Government's policy has long been to settle native title determinations via negotiation wherever possible," Mr Robertson said.
"All native title determinations must be settled by a court order, however if any party disagrees during the negotiation process the matter is resolved by trial.
"I congratulate all parties on their spirit of co-operation which has led to such a successful resolution without the need for a trial.
"The determination puts beyond doubt the right of the Wik and Wik Way People to be consulted over any future development in the region."
Mr Robertson said the successful resolution of native title gave more certainty to the native title parties and the mining interests in the area.
He said negotiations to resolve native title to a further 518,460 hectares of the original Wik and Wik Way People's native title application were expected to begin later this year.
Media inquiries: Minister's office 07 3224 7332
Last Updated 03 November 2009
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