Native title determination ends half a decade of negotiations

24/11/06
Native title has been recognised over 6,758sq.km of land in the East Kimberley region - bringing the total of determined native title land in Western Australia to more than 600,000sq.km, an area more than twice the size of Victoria.
Speaking today at the on-country determination of the Miriuwung Gajerrong #4 native title claim, Deputy Premier Eric Ripper said the determination ended a series of negotiations with the Miriuwung Gajerrong (MG) people spanning almost half a decade.

"In that time, we have successfully resolved all the MG claims in WA," Mr Ripper said.
"We have negotiated Australia's largest and most comprehensive land use agreement, the Ord Final Agreement.
"In doing so, we have developed a partnership with the MG people that paves the way for agricultural, industrial and residential development opportunities that will benefit the whole East Kimberley community."
The Deputy Premier said the determination provided an excellent example of the value of native title to indigenous communities.
"While recognition is the most important aspect of a native title determination, native title also has the capacity to deliver economic security," he said.
"As in the case of the MG people, the native title right to negotiate over the Ord Final Agreement guaranteed their role as a significant player in the East Kimberley economy.
"There is no doubt, too, that their native title rights will give rise to additional benefits as the Kimberley region grows and develops.
"The negotiation phase is now over, but the State Government's relationship with the MG people will not end with the MG #4 determination. We now look forward to a future as partners in a number of other ventures."
Deputy Premier's Office - 9222 8788