Australians have until 29th September 2010 to lodge an interest in the Wiradjuri native title claim near Dubbo in New South Wales. The area of the claim includes the towns of Wellington, Mudgee and Orange. See the map below for an outline.
Existing interests such as leases, licences or permits are protected, but the National Native Title Tribunal is inviting those with an interest in the area to become involved – as tribunal member John Sosso explains:
“People or organisations with these types of interests in the claim area may want to be involved in working out how their rights may co-exist with those of the Wellington Valley Wiradjuri People if their native title is recognised by the Federal Court.
By becoming a respondent party, people have the opportunity to participate in mediation meetings with the applicants and other parties. These meetings aim to resolve issues and reach agreements that respect everyone’s rights and interests.”
Wellington Valley Wiradjuri People lodged the native title application with the Federal Court in August 2009. The Native Title Registrar accepted the application for registration on 18 December 2009.
A successful claim would allow the descendants of the Wiradjuri various rights over the land including but not limited to; the right to camp, fish and performing ceremonies on the land.
