SANTS welcomes the seventh native title determination in South Australia

Native title rights for two Aboriginal groups have been welcomed today with the seventh determination in South Australia and the sixth by consent. 

At a Federal Court hearing at Bloods Creek, near Mt Dare in the far north of South Australia, Chief Justice Pat Keane made two consent determinations over claims from the Eringa and the Wangkangurru/Yarluyandi claim groups, to recognise their non-exclusive native title rights and interests in an area of approximately 20,000 square kilometres.

The consent determination proceedings are the third for 2011. Previous consent determinations include Yankunytjatjara/Antakirinja in 2006, Witjira National Park in 2008, Adnyamathanha People in 2009 and Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara People and First Peoples of the River Murray Mallee Region respectively in May and November this year. Next week there will be a further consent determination for the Gawler Ranges claim.

SANTS CEO Parry Agius said this year has proved to be a positive and memorable year for native title. The successful determinations illustrate a commitment by all parties to the native title process and how hard work and careful negotiation can result in favourable outcomes.

“There have been some significant developments in native title in South Australia this year and the determinations today are a further example of what can be achieved when all those involved work together in a supportive and cooperative manner” 

“SANTS has maintained its focus on providing quality services for native title groups through negotiation and congratulates the Eringa and Wangkangurru/Yarluyandi claimants for securing native title”

The consent determinations recognise the non-exclusive native title rights to access, hunt, fish, camp, gather and use the natural resources, undertake cultural activities, conduct ceremonies and meetings, and protect places of cultural and religious significance.

In conjunction with the consent determinations the SA Government and the Eringa and Wangkangurru/Yarluyandi claimants will enter into an indigenous land use agreement (ILUA) with pastoral lease holder in the area regarding the co-existence of native title and pastoral lease activities.

The determinations are made in relation to the Eringa #1 (SAD6010/98), Eringa #2 (SAD 6002/99), and Eringa #3 (SAD6016/98) Native Title claim.