Massive land claim settled

The second major Aboriginal land claim in the East Kimberley has been settled.

The Federal Court convened at Wijilwarrin (Molly Springs) community to hear that the Miriuwung Gajerrong Number #4 Native Title application (MG#4) had been resolved by consent.

Kimberley Land Council executive director Wayne Bergmann said: "The Miriuwung Gajerrong #4 Native Title claim is the last chapter to one of the most significant native title claims in Australia.

"Miriuwung Gajerrong #1 was a milestone in the interpretation of native title law, with significance across Australia and internationally.

"The end result confirmed that native title is subject to other valid rights created by the Crown.

"The Miriuwung, Gajerrong, and Kija people have remained committed to their pursuit of native title over many years, showing a strength and maturity in today reaching a consent determination, which delivers positive outcomes for everyone.

Mr Bergmann believes the consent determination should be the first of many such agreements right across the Kimberley.

"We look forward to the rapid and cost effective resolution of the many other claims we represent," said Mr Bergmann.

A feature of the determination is an agreement between the claimants and the pastoralists operating the effected leases of Carlton Hills Station and Ivanhoe Station.

This agreement recognises the importance of each parties' rights in various areas within the MG#4 determination area, and puts in place practical, workable structures, which Mr Bergmann believes will form the basis for long term relationships.

"I acknowledge the leadership shown by the pastoralists involved in recognising the benefits of developing mutually beneficial long-term relationships with traditional owners," said Mr Bergmann.

The determination provides Miriuwung, Gajerrong and Kija people with exclusive possession native title rights over four community lease areas - Molly Springs/Wijilwarrin, Flying Fox, Kumbarumba, and Ningbing.

It provides shared rights and interests in the pastoral lease land, allowing access to country, hunting and fishing, and utilisation of food, medicine plants and trees, timber, charcoal, ochre, stone and wax.

The MG#4 claim covers an area of 6758 square kilometres, bringing the total area where native title is recognised in the Kimberley to more than 35 percent.