A FEDERAL Court decision has recognised the Gangalidda and Garawa Peoples’ native title rights and interests of about 9350 square kilometres of land and waters around Burketown in the Gulf of Carpentaria.
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State Development and Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham was in Burketown for the formal ceremony on Wednesday and said it was a huge achievement for the Gangalidda and Garawa people.
The native title decision will pave the way for indigenous people to own their own homes and boost their chances of jobs in the area.
This decision will allow the Gangalidda and Garawa people the rights of possession, occupation, use and enjoyment over about 1779 square kilometres of land.
However, they have non-exclusive rights to another 7479 square kilometres that will allow them to access the land in accordance with their traditional law.
“This is a significant milestone for the Gangalidda and Garawa peoples as well as Burketown,” Dr Lynham said.
“The practical effect is that Indigenous people will be able to own their own homes on their traditional land for the first time.”
“Burketown Shire Council will now be able to develop some land for future job creating light industry as well as having certainty over infrastructure, including the town water plant.”
Mr Lynham said the claim land includes the historically and culturally significant Woods Lake and the land around an important and sacred ceremonial ground which continues to be used by the Gangalidda People to pass on their culture and traditional law.
“Gangalidda and Garawa rangers continue to care for this land by rehabilitating it to combat erosion and protect the ecological diversity of the wetlands,” he said.
“The determination marks the 100th by consent in Queensland – an important milestone in the resolution of claims in Queensland and Australia.”