Australia's largest recognised native title area finalised

Today the people of the Ngaanyatjarra Lands had their native title recognised in a consent determination over the remaining 1,428sq.km of their Central Desert country.

The determination finalises native title over the claim area following the first Ngaanyatjarra Lands consent determination in June 2005 over a huge 167,756sq.km, the largest determined native title area in Australia.

Deputy Premier Eric Ripper congratulated the people of the Ngaanyatjarra Lands on once again being able to achieve their native title through agreement.

"Their willingness to negotiate sets a fine example for future native title claimants, not only in Western Australia but all over the country," he said.

Traditional owners negotiated with the State, Shire of Laverton and claimants of overlapping and underlying claims to resolve issues over the 1428sq.km 'Ngaanyatjarra Lands Part B' area.

Native title holders will enjoy exclusive native title over most of their country and non-exclusive native title where the Warburton Range Stock Route runs through the area.

"Although this determination finalises recognition of native title, the State's relationship with the traditional owners will continue to prosper through joint management commitments in the area," Mr Ripper said.

Under the Gallop/Carpenter Government, there have been 14 native title determinations by consent.

In total, 22 determinations have resolved native title over about 28 per cent of WA's landmass, equivalent to about 741,000sq.km.