Native Title to be enforced alongside CSR

Submitted: Wednesday, Jun 14, 2006 at 21:47
ThreadID: 34939 Views:3088 Replies:4 FollowUps:16
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Sorry to copy and paste, but got this out of a mag I read. (did a search on copy right but could not fined it)

"Native Title to be enforced alongside CSR
A disturbing event occurred on the Canning Stock Route (CSR) not too long ago that will change the way we consider the CSR from this point on.
Members of the Martu people who hold exclusive possession native title to country adjacent to the CSR were visiting a sacred site when a group of Victorian tourists ordered them to leave and questioned their right to be there. How to win friends and influence people - not.

This caused obvious concern and has resulted in the Ngaanyatjarra Council (pronounced nanhadurra) insisting all travelers intending to wander off the CSR get. Permission to do so before they depart for the region. The area covered by the title includes all land adjacent to the CSR from Well 15 to Well 40 including the Calvert Range, Durba Springs and the wider Percival Lake area.
The Martu people have had exclusive possession of these lands since 2002 and were happy for the status quo. to remain until the tourist did his thing and forced them to consider their position.

I put to questions to Lisa Maher, Native Title Project Officer at the Ngaanyatjarra Council Native Title Unit and the results follow. Many of the wells on the CSR were originally native wells identified to Canning (often under duress) and were transformed to provide water for stock. Many of the wells from 15-40 are registered Aboriginal heritage sites by the Department of Indigenous Affairs but the Martu people recognize that they are an integral part of the CSR experience and have no problems with visitation providing people treat the sites with respect.
Durbs Springs is a well established campsite for travelers and (pending an upcoming meeting) at this stage access will continue. The issue at Durba is more related to art sites back in the hills and access to this area will be subject to further meetings with the Martu people."

This is and will always be a problem of ignorant people

Regards Richard Kovac
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