Historic agreement for indigenous involvement in development at Coral Bay

23/3/06
An historic agreement announced today with the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation (BAC) at Coral Bay and the State Government, will deliver significant involvement by local indigenous people in the area's development.
The agreement will see the BAC granted:

• a lease for the development of worker accommodation in Coral Bay;
• conditional freehold title to a site for a corporation office and cultural/tourism centre at Coral Bay;
• a tourism lease at Bruboodjoo point; and
• joint management of a new 5,736ha conservation and recreation reserve along the Ningaloo coast, adjoining Cardabia Station.

The exclusion agreement saw the corporation, which owns the Cardabia Pastoral lease surrounding Coral Bay, provide an early surrender to a two-kilometre coastal strip and land for the extension of the Coral Bay townsite.
The Baiyungu people will support proposed development in Coral Bay and the provision of key infrastructure in the area.
The Gnulli native title working group, represented by the Yamatji Land and Sea Council, has endorsed the agreement between the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation and the State Government and has agreed not to object to specified native title future acts arising from the implementation of the Coral Bay Settlement Plan in the Ningaloo Coast Regional Strategy from Carnarvon to Exmouth.
"This is a great opportunity for the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation to build a sustainable business in their traditional lands and to weave an indigenous tourism component into the fabric of this popular destination," Ms MacTiernan said.
"I thank all parties involved, particularly the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation and their principal negotiator, Mr Noel Bridge and the Gnulli native title claimants, for the goodwill and wisdom they have shown in reaching an agreement that will benefit not just the people but also the region and the State.
"It is also another significant milestone in the Labor Government's commitment to delivering long awaited services to Coral Bay and it ensures native title issues will not impede much needed changes in Coral Bay."
The chairperson of the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation, Ms Gwen Peck, said: "We are very excited with this outcome and have long held aspirations to be involved in tourism on our land. We now have the opportunity for jobs for our young people, along with some very exciting economic development. Plus, there is the chance to share our culture with visitors, which will greatly assist in keeping it alive. The Baiyungu people wished to acknowledge the significant role played by Noel Bridge in the carrying out the lengthy and successful negotiations with the Minister and her office."
Ron Crowe, chairman of the Gnulli native-title working group said: "We have supported the Baiyungu people in this process and recognise that this approach allows our people to maintain connection to traditional land. This means the Baiyungu people get to stay on their land, while at the same time adding potential for other benefits to be made."
The agreement shows the Gnullis' strong support to work in partnership with Government and Aboriginal corporations to see benefits flow on to Aboriginal people and the wider community.
"This outcome is a fine example of what can be achieved through co-operation and mutual respect," Ms MacTiernan said.
"We are very keen to see the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation bring the elements of the proposed agreement to fruition and in the process provide a long overdue service to the community of Coral Bay."
Minister's Office - 9213 6400

Yamatji Land and Sea Council contact:
Matthew Perkins - Communications Officer
Yamatji Marlpa Barna Baba Maaja Aboriginal Corporation
Telephone: (08) 9268 7032
Switchboard: (08) 9268 7000
Email: mperkins@yamatji.org.au

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