Land deal helps right Moola Bulla grievance

1/7/03 The State Government has acted to right a long-standing grievance of former Aboriginal residents of Moola Bulla Station.

1/7/03
The State Government has acted to right a long-standing grievance of former Aboriginal residents of Moola Bulla Station.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the Moola Bulla Station lessee (Camballin Developments (WA) Pty Ltd) had voluntarily agreed to the early surrender of 8,088ha of land near Halls Creek.
Ms MacTiernan said the land, which was formally excluded from lease renewals last year, was in two parcels:

  • Area A, 1.5km north of Halls Creek, is 4,475ha in area and includes land around Banjo's Bore, which was once promised to indigenous people, but never set aside; and
  • Area B, 1.5km south of the town, is 3,338ha in area.
"When we first came to Government, I was made aware of the historic grievance of former Moola Bulla residents," the Minister said.
"A search of departmental archives confirmed a grave injustice had occurred with the sale of the station in 1955, without any provision for the community that had been established there in 1911.
"Community members were ordered off the station and dumped in Halls Creek - causing a national and international scandal.

"Goodwill, the positive attitude of all parties involved and the assistance of Fred Chaney, of the Native Title Tribunal, has made this resolution possible.
"A lengthy negotiation period has had to take into account the interests of the traditional owners, the historic residents of Moola Bulla, the lessee and the Halls Creek Shire Council, which may require some of the land for future town expansion.
"The State Government will reserve this land for the use of the Aboriginal community.
"Detailed plans for its future use and management will be determined through a community consultation process involving Aboriginal people and other stakeholders."
The State Government has provided a $40,000 trust fund to be administered by the Shire of Halls Creek for managing and improving the reserves until native title issues are resolved and the land can be handed over to the local indigenous community.
Minister's office: 9213 6400