Broome... Native title decision

BROOME NATIVE TITLE DECISION..

An in-principle agreement to resolve native title and heritage issues in Broome has been struck between The State Government and the Yawuru people, Attorney General Christian Porter has announced.

Mr Porter said the agreement would ensure the prompt development of WA’s foremost tourist town.

“This Government has put much effort into resolving outstanding Native Title issues such as this because the ability to reach final decisions is for the betterment of all people of Western Australia,” he said.

“The agreement will facilitate the release of land for housing, commercial development and infrastructure, and will ensure that development in Broome can proceed unimpeded for decades to come.

“At the same time Aboriginal heritage will be protected and the traditional owners will be properly compensated for the extinguishment of their native title rights and interests in the land, as is their right under the law.”

Three years ago, the Federal Court ruled that the Yawuru people held native title rights and interests in relation to Broome and surrounding areas.

As native title holders, they had the right to negotiate future developments and to receive State Government compensation for acts affecting their native title.

The final agreement is expected to be reached by June and will include two Indigenous Land Use Agreements, which would be submitted to the National Native Title Tribunal for registration.

PERTH