- State Government and the Kariyarra people have negotiated a landmark agreement
- Land and monetary benefits for the Kariyarra people worth $38 million over the life of the agreement
- Agreement enables development in specified areas of Port Hedland by addressing the Kariyarra's native title claim
The Kariyarra people, their legal representatives - the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) and the State Government have reached a landmark agreement.
This agreement will deliver significant land and monetary benefits to the Kariyarra people, while addressing native title over specific areas within their claim, enabling existing and future expansion of the Port Hedland Port and development of residential land in South Hedland.
Lands Minister Rita Saffioti and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt, with representatives of the Kariyarra people, will take part in a ceremony today to mark the formal signing of the agreement in the Town of Port Hedland Civic Centre Gardens.
The package of benefits for the Kariyarra people has been estimated to be worth about $38 million over the life of the agreement and includes:
- Transfer of a range of urban and rural lots in freehold, including several with refurbished houses and units;
- Reserved use and direct management of various Crown land parcels of significance to the Kariyarra people;
- The recognition and protection of heritage sites of particular interest to the Kariyarra people;
- Monetary benefits in the form of a five per cent payment on residential, commercial and industrial lots developed on Crown land within an agreed area of South Hedland, irrespective of who develops them; and
- Financial assistance supporting effective implementation of the agreement.
The agreement comes after six years of negotiations between the Kariyarra people; YMAC; the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage; the State Solicitor's Office; the Department of Communities; LandCorp and the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
Comments attributed to Lands Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Our hope is that the benefits to be provided will create new opportunities for improved economic, social and cultural outcomes, and empower the Kariyarra people to take a greater role in determining their future.
"The McGowan Government has committed to providing a level of support to the Kariyarra people for the next five years, to help ensure these outcomes are achieved.
"This agreement involved a number of complex issues which have been resolved through the hard work of the Kariyarra people, their representatives from Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation and staff from the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage; the State Solicitor's Office; the Department of Communities; LandCorp and the Department of the Premier and Cabinet."
Comments attributed to Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt:
"This agreement will see significant areas of freehold land now controlled by the local traditional owners, and will provide great opportunities for self-determined economic activity for the Kariyarra people.
"Fostering economic activities in our regional and remote communities is the only way we will secure lasting change and improved outcomes for Aboriginal people."
Lands Minister's office - 6552 5500
Aboriginal Affairs Minister's office - 6552 5900
