Deputy Premier welcomes latest Native Title determination

30/05/07
Native title has been recognised over another 11,000 square kilometres of east Pilbara land, further confirming the success of the State Government's native title policy.
Deputy Premier Eric Ripper today welcomed the Ngarla native title determination, the eleventh since the Labor Government introduced its policy of negotiation over litigation for the resolution of native title matters.
"There can be no doubt about the success of this approach," Mr Ripper said.
"The Ngarla consent determination is the fourth to be finalised this financial year and I am pleased to announce there are another eight claims that are in various stages of negotiation.
"Before 2001, only three native title claims had been resolved in Western Australia."
The Deputy Premier attended the Ngarla on-country determination near De Grey station today and congratulated the parties for reaching agreement in a difficult negotiation.
"So many new issues were raised during these negotiations reminding us that native title is still evolving and there is still much uncharted territory," he said.
"Nevertheless, it is a tribute to the pastoralists, the mining and fishing industries and the indigenous groups involved that they could set aside their differences and reach an agreement."
The Ngarla claim covers 11,331 square kilometres of land in the Shire of East Pilbara, and the Town of Port Hedland.

Mr Ripper said today's determination recognised non-exclusive possession native title rights over the De Grey, Pippingarra and Pardoo pastoral leases, 29 reserves and five miscellaneous leases.
Deputy Premier's office - 9222 8788