Land release a critical need

The Kimberley Primary Industries Association (KPIA) has hit out at the State Government over the critical land shortage in the East Kimberley.

KPIA executive officer David McKerrell said his organisation shared the disappointment and frustration of most East Kimberley residents at the High Court decision to refer back to the Federal Court parts of the native title claim lodged over 8,000 square kilometres of the East Kimberley and NT, and in particular the area covering the Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA).

"It is hard to see how anyone other than the legal profession can draw comfort from the decision as it now stands, he said last week.

"The KPIA has spent considerable time working with other peak bodies, namely the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley, Kimberley Land Council, Kununurra Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a number of associated bodies and agencies in trying to find a way forward to further develop irrigated agriculture.

"On July 22 we wrote to Premier Geoff Gallop, drawing his attention to the problems being faced in the ORIA, the consequences that might occur and seeking his assistance in expediting the land release process.

"With the exception of recognition of receipt of that letter, nothing else has been forthcoming.

"It is hard to reconcile this attitude with the government's professed desire for greater community consultation - or is this just lip service?

"For too long now both State and Federal Governments have lacked the necessary leadership to effectively address the issues involved in native title and Aboriginal heritage, instead allowing things get bogged down in the courts, with little chance of quick resolution.

"That is, unless they support the development, as is clearly demonstrated in the Burrup Peninsula development.

"Having raised the land release issue with our local member Carol Martin , the KPIA was informed that Ord Stage II was the second priority for the government behind the Burrup Peninsula.

"But if recent actions are any indication of commitment, there is clearly only the one priority.

"At a Regional Development Forum held in Broome on August 30, to discuss impediments to regional business development, land release and access, native title and Aboriginal heritage issues headed the discussions.

"Panel members, appointed by Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson (Minister for Regional Development) heard from a number of speakers including shire councillors from Broome and Derby, indigenous people trying to set up aquaculture and sandalwood developments and the KPIA on how all proposed new development is in danger of being lost to the Kimberley.

"Having seen and heard first hand about the lack of progress on development issues, the chairman of the panel concluded that land release would be a very high priority in their findings.

Kununurra has already lost horticultural developments to the NT, and it is a well-known fact that people with development plans, now on hold, are looking elsewhere to pursue their investments.

"In some instances we are seeing well-established family units split, as interstate expansion becomes the only available option.

"Other questions worth considering are how long will a world wide food manufacturer like Chiel Jedang be deprived of their projected growth strategies before they say that 'enough is enough' and move their sugar mill elsewhere and, if that happens, 'what then for the ORIA'?

" The KPIA does believe the courts are the best place for this issue to be resolved, as there will always be winners and losers, whereas negotiated outcomes can be to the benefit of all.

"We firmly believe that the time is now past for the government to continue handballing the hard decisions off to the developers or the courts.

"They must now demonstrate their leadership capacity by managing the process in a more upfront and forthright manner - instead of dragging their feet and procrastinating - a view that is widely held within the community," Mr McKerrell said.