14yr wait over for djungun native title, page-5

and from the Qld Resources Minister, the guy with the ultimate power to give the go ahead on the future 500 million tonne CSG project at Mt M...

http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=80044

'Minister for Natural Resources and Mines
The Honourable Andrew Cripps

Thursday, August 02, 2012

Djungan People’s native title rights recognised

The Federal Court of Australia has today recognised the Djungan People’s Native Title rights and interests over more than 182,000 hectares of land in North Queensland.

Natural Resources and Mines Minister Andrew Cripps said land covered by today’s determination included Land Act reserves, pastoral leases and some leasehold and unallocated State Land situated in and around Mount Mulligan, west of Mareeba.

“The Federal Court of Australia has recognised the Djungan People’s exclusive rights to possession, occupation, use and enjoyment over approximately 149,915 ha of land,” Mr Cripps said.

“The Djungan People also have non-exclusive rights over approximately 33,058 ha of land to be present on, move about, travel, camp, hunt, gather, conduct ceremonies, maintain places of importance and significance and teach in accordance with traditional laws and customs.

“Non-exclusive native title rights and interests in relation to water in the determination area have been granted allowing the Djungan People to hunt, fish and gather and take and use the water for personal, domestic and non-commercial communal purposes.”

Mr Cripps said today’s determination means the Djungan People will have the use and enjoyment of their traditional lands for generations to come.

“Today’s determination settles claims lodged by the Djungan People in 1995, 1996, 1997 and 2001, this brings the total number of native title determinations in Queensland to 72,” he said.

“Since then, negotiations have focused on the nature and extent of the native title rights and interests to the claimed areas in relation to both exclusive and non-exclusive native title land.

“Today’s decision is the culmination of much hard work from the Djungan People and their representatives, the State, Tablelands Regional Council, other respondent parties and the National Native Title Tribunal and I congratulate all involved for their efforts.

“Preserving indigenous culture and identity through native title determinations is integral to achieving more economic benefits and independence for traditional owners on their land.”

[ENDS] 2 August 2012