Ann: Agreement for Operations to Recommence at Un, page-34

re: Ann: Agreement for Operations to Recommen... For what it's worth I think any fair and reasonable person would like the traditional owners in the Kimberley to share in the extraordinary potential of this region, and to have a decent life in this new culture foist upon them by European invaders.

But the fact is, Native Title is an expensive and time-consuming process, for both sides; and both sides, and the arbitrators, are EXTREMELY under-resourced to deal with it. In general, I think both sides would like the whole process to proceed as quickly as possible and proceed to a fair conclusion which will be of mutual benefaction.

At the end of the day when all of this is resolved, the region and the local communities, of all backgrounds, will be better off. I fully expect that once the Traditional Owners are on side, they will be Buru's biggest allies in the years to come as they and Buru plan the development of these vast resources, which will undoubtedly come against opposition from anti-development groups of one kind or another.

Personally, I'm not really a sentimentalist, so I find the whole heritage thing a bit bewildering. But I respect the right of people who come from such a culture to protect their heritage, even though this will come at a not insignificant cost. I must admit though, that even without this sentimental thread to my being, I do love exploring areas which contain artifacts from the distant past, and on this basis alone I'm willing to lose a few pennies to retain the heritage and the possibility that I will one day be able to look upon such things as ancient spear heads and rock paintings with awe.

Let's hope that the parties can come to an agreement and develop the region, bringing a better life to all who live there. I remain optimistic that this will happen but I've said it before, it will require patience.

From an investment point of view, my only concern is that another O&G entity will try to snap it all up and then proceed to screw it all up. It would be a shame to see all of the work put in to date come to nothing.

I hadn't really wanted to speak on this subject because of the antagonism which usually arises, however I did want to put my point of view on record. I think I would not be far off the mark in suggesting that most followers of this company, at least on Hotcopper, have a similar view.

It's gonna be a long haul, but it will be worth it in the end.