State Government recognises native title at Noonkanbah

27/4/07
The Western Australian Government's continuing commitment to uphold the rights of Aboriginal people through native title reached a new pinnacle today with the Federal Court delivering its consent determination at Noonkanbah.
Deputy Premier Eric Ripper said the determination brought to an end a 27-year-old saga.
"Today, we celebrate with the Yungngora people," Mr Ripper said.
"We formally recognise their rights to control access to their land and to maintain and protect their sites of significance.
"This is a proud and joyful moment for the Government and further reinforces our dedication to ensure legitimate native title rights of Aboriginal people in WA are respected."
The Deputy Premier also apologised to the Yungngora people for the role of the then Liberal State Government in the 1979-1980 Noonkanbah dispute.
At that time, Noonkanbah made international headlines when the Yungngora people defied the Government and oil company Amax to try and prevent drilling on a sacred site.
Although protests, lockouts and injunctions delayed the drilling, it eventually went ahead in 1980 when police escorted non-union drillers on to the site.
"On behalf of the WA Government, I apologise sincerely to the Yungngora people - I am sorry they were subjected to those actions," Mr Ripper said.
"Unfortunately, the past cannot be changed, but today's determination ensures them a brighter future."
The Noonkanbah site covers 1,811sq.km in the Shire of Derby in the West Kimberley region.
Mr Ripper said today's determination recognised exclusive possession native title rights over the Noonkanbah pastoral lease and a small area of unallocated crown land.
Non-exclusive possession native title rights and interests are recognised over two reserves, set aside for the aerodrome and stock route.
Deputy Premier's office: 9222 8788