Landmark Indigenous Land Use Agreement and Yamatji Nation Claim consent determination celebrated in Geraldton
Posted: February 10th, 2020
Geraldton, Friday 7 February 2020, was a unique day for Australian native title history. The Federal Court of Australia formally recognised native title rights for the people that form the Yamatji Nation Claim from Western Australia’s Mid West region. Attendees also witnessed the signing of a landmark Indigneous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) with the State Government of Western Australia.
Held at Edith Cowan Square, the hearing was attended by the Federal Court, representatives of the State and Federal Governments, other parties and most importantly, the Traditional Owners.
The agreement, the first of its kind in Australia, includes both native title recognition and a comprehensive economic package, including cash and assets, which finally came to fruition after 25 years. The totality of the settlement is of a scale that could transform Western Australia’s Mid West region into a thriving economic force.
As native title holders, the Yamatji Nation Claim will now have non-exclusive possession rights over portions of the former Barnong, Menai Hills and Kadji Kadji pastoral leases, land parcels near the Wandana Nature Reserve, Lucky Bay, and the Aboriginal Lands Trust areas in Carnamah, Kadathinni and Eneabba.
The judgement by Hon. Justice Debra Mortimer means that the Native Title Holders will continue to have a role in caring for Country through exercising their procedural rights in relation to the land and waters covered by their application.
To view the full media release click here