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Native title gains continue to bring win-win results for all parties

10 December 2007 - HREOC Media Release - Yesterday’s Federal Court decision recognising the Eastern Kuku Yalanji People’s native title rights over nearly 127,000 hectares of far north Queensland’s Daintree area is another example of how negotiation and cooperation bring the best outcomes for all parties, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma said today.

The court’s decision recognises exclusive native title rights over 30,300 hectares of unallocated state land allowing the Eastern Kuku Yalanji to exclusively occupy, possess and use the areas, as well as inherit and succeed to the native title rights.

“Again, collaboration has paid off and cooperation between native title claimants, state and local governments and many others has produced an outcome that protects the rights of all parties,” Mr Calma said.

“Most importantly, this agreement allows the Eastern Kuku Yalanji to exercise their native title rights under their traditional laws and customs.”

Under the agreement, the Eastern Kuku Yalanji’s native title rights have been recognised over land and waters between Port Douglas and Cooktown.

The Eastern Kuku Yalanji have also had their non-exclusive rights recognised to access, camp, hunt, gather, conduct ceremonies and be buried in the ground in 96,000 hectares of timber reserve, term leases and special leases.

The Eastern Kuku Yalanji will have a greater management role over parks and some reserves, and ownership of 16,500 hectares of Aboriginal freehold for residential and economic development.

The agreement also doubles the national park estate between Cooktown and Mossman, and preserves environmental and cultural values.

Source: HREOC

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