Unworkable native title laws force land supply in Kununurra to crisis point

27/10/97

Premier Richard Court said today that unworkable native title laws had forced land supply in Kununurra to crisis point.

Following a regional Cabinet meeting in Kununurra, Mr Court said the State Government would continue to work towards increased availability of land for housing, light industry and commercial development, but stressed these actions would be wasted if the current amendments to the Federal Native Title Act were not adopted in full.

He said the potential growth and expansion of Kununurra had fallen victim to unworkable native title laws imposed by Canberra. The last seven lots in the town centre, which were developed a number of years ago, would be auctioned on Tuesday. These lots and a single farming block were the only releases since January 1994.

Mr Court said the release of the single farming block resulted in extensive litigation in the courts and lead to a decision by the Department of Land Administration to stop referring applications for new land grants in Kununurra.

"The Department of Land Administration has no other stock of land available for release," the Premier said.

Mr Court said that the last four years had seen excellent growth in Kununurra in tourism and investment confidence in agriculture.

"There are also positive signs of people staying longer and making Kununurra their home, but unfortunately the native title claim has limited the potential for growth by restricting the expansion of the townsite," the Premier said.

Land which had been identified for urgent release in Kununurra included up to 206 residential lots and land for a commercial centre contained in the Lakeside Subdivision, 22 light industrial lots, 10 farm lots at River Farm Road, a tourism site near the airport and a range of extensions and modifications to existing blocks in the area.

Mr Court said the State Government would immediately proceed with the formal Native Title Act processes for the urgently needed land releases.

"If the Federal Government's so called Wik amendments are passed then there will be more straight forward native title procedures with less opportunity for litigation," the Premier said.

"The State Government recognises the impossible situation the community faces in Kununurra and wants to assist in any way it can. Sadly, in reality though, it is only Federal Members of Parliament who can rectify this costly and frustrating problem."

Media contact: Casey Cahill 9222 9475