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Tiwi Islanders hail historic lease

By Ashleigh Wilson

31 August 2007 - THE nation's first long-term lease on Aboriginal land came into effect yesterday after a community on the Tiwi Islands formally agreed to hand over control in the first step towards private home ownership and economic development.

Three months after agreeing to the deal, traditional owners at Nguiu, north of Darwin, directed the Tiwi Land Trust to execute the 99-year lease, saying it marked a "new beginning" for local indigenous people.

Walter Kerinaiua, senior traditional owner at Nguiu, said the deal followed more than 50 meetings over three years between landowners, Tiwi Islanders and the commonwealth Government.

"The Mantiyupwi land owners are proud to have made history," Mr Kerinaiua said. "It will ensure we are full partners in the future development of Nguiu.

"The benefits we have negotiated will be shared by all Tiwi, and not restricted to the traditional owners."

Under the deal, the Howard Government has agreed to pay Nguiu's traditional owners $5million to control the land over the next 15 years, as well as providing 25 new houses and $1million in health programs.

After the $5million has been recouped by the Head Lease Authority, traditional owners will receive all rents, minus operational costs.

The deal also ensures that non-Tiwi residents of Nguiu cannot exceed 15 per cent of the local population, while only people deemed "fit and proper" will be granted leases.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Mal Brough congratulated traditional owners for signing up to the agreement and said it did not change the underlying title to the land. "They deserve strong praise for their foresight, which will provide economic opportunity and independence for future generations," he said.

"As a result of this agreement, people in Nguiu will for the first time be able to strive towards things that most Australians take for granted - the right to own their own home and attract investment for business."

The next community to sign up to 99-year leases is likely to be Galiwin'ku, on Elcho Island.

Source: The Australian

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