The ExplorOz office was contact by Central Desert Native Title
Services on 22nd July 2010 with a request to publish that the Canarvon Ranges are closed to travellers - strictly NO ACCESS. We were provided with a release dated 30/6/10 to clarify, which reads as follows:
The Birriliburu Native Title Determination covers part of the Canning Stock
Route (“CSR”) including Wells 5-15.
While the historical activity on the CSR has varied over the years, the steady
increase in tourist traffic has become a significant issue for the Birriliburu
Native Title Holders. In recent times there has been much discussion
between the Birriliburu Native Title Holders and other land holding groups
along the length of the CSR about the proper management of tourism. To
date these discussions have been dominated by the issue of access to
country adjacent to the CSR.
The Birriliburu Native Title Holders recognize that there is a great degree of
interest from travellers wanting to learn more about the country and the
people who ‘hold’ the country traversed by the CSR. The Birriliburu Native
Title Holders understand that many of the requests to visit
places like the
Canarvon Ranges are made by travellers who are genuinely interested in the
history, traditions and stories of the Martu people.
At present the Birriliburu Native Title Holders manage the access to the
Birriliburu Native Title Determination Area through their newly incorporated
organisation ‘Mungarlu Ngurrarankatja Rirraunkatja’ (“MNR”). MNR are in the
process of developing a detailed land access permit system and management
strategy for the Birriliburu Native Title Determined Area. Until such time as
the permit system is developed, the Birriliburu Native Title Holders request
that travellers please observe the conditions of the CSR transit permit and do
not travel off the CSR while in the Birriliburu Native Title Determined Area
(including the Canarvon Ranges)
Please be aware that Central Desert Native Title
Services does not issue
general access permits for the CSR and all enquiries should go to through the
Australian National Four Wheel Drive Club; www.anfwdc.asn.au.
For
information specific to the Birriliburu Native Title Determined Area please
see the website: www.centraldesert.org.au
or call Rob Thomas, Regional Manager West, Central Desert Native Title
Services (08) 9425 2000