Bardi Jawi decision finalised

30/11/05
Deputy Premier Eric Ripper today congratulated the Bardi Jawi native title claimants after the Federal Court officially recognised their rights to more than 5,347sq.km of land and sea in the Kimberley.
The determination was announced at a ceremony on country at One Arm Point on the Dampier Peninsula, 225km from Broome.
Mr Ripper said while he was pleased that the Bardi Jawi people had their interests confirmed, a speedier outcome could have been achieved through negotiation in February last year.
"The State Government and the Kimberley Land Council negotiated a very similar agreement last year, but we did not have the support of the Federal Government and so the claim had to be resolved by the court," he said.
The Bardi Jawi claim covers 1,037sq.km of land around Lombardina and One Arm Point in the shires of Broome and Derby/West Kimberley. The rest of the claim area is over the sea.
Parties to the claim include the Kimberley Land Council, fishing and pearling licence holders over the seas areas.
Deputy Premier's office: 9222 8788