Published on Thursday, 24 February 2022 at 2:46:49 PM
Council has authorised the Town to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation (KAC). KAC is the body corporate which holds the Kariyarra community’s native title on trust.
The MOU sets out a framework for entry into voluntary Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUA) for future municipal capital works on Kariyarra native title land, rather than proceeding through native title litigation.
An ILUA is a voluntary agreement made under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth)(NTA) between people who hold native title in an area and other people who wish to gain an interest in that area and is agreed by the State.
Mayor Peter Carter welcomed Council’s decision as a step forward in the Town’s efforts towards recognising and respecting traditional owners.
“The Memorandum of Understanding between the Town and Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation sets out a framework for entry into voluntary Indigenous Land Use Agreements for future municipal capital works on Kariyarra native title land, rather than proceeding through native title litigation.
“In additional to financial compensation, the MOU sets out potential opportunities and benefits for the Kariyarra community with respect to the Town’s future municipal works, including cultural heritage opportunities; employment opportunities; social and recreational opportunities; conservation of heritage sites; administrative and management support for the procurement, design and construction of any KAC development or facility and wayfinding signage.
“The MOU represents a significant step in recognition of the Kariyarra community as the traditional owners of land within the Town of Port Hedland and will be the foundation of a strong and lasting relationship between the parties.”
Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporate CEO Nic Green said the MOU was a historic moment for the town.
“This is the first time the Town of Port Hedland has entered into an MOU of this kind, forging a foundation for building a strong relationship between the community and the Kariyarra people into the future.
“We welcome this opportunity to work in partnership with the Town on activities and initiatives which will benefit the community.”
Council also voted to enter into its first ILUA with KAC, which sets out compensation and non-financial benefits the Kariyarra are to receive in return for the Town’s development of the Port Hedland Integrated Sports Hub precinct.
For media information:
Laura Hawes
Manager Corporate Affairs
(08) 9158 9365 | lhawes@porthedland.wa.gov.au
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