Native title covers uranium project
MATU rangers Frank Wongawol, Ivan Wongawol, Morris Wongawol, Zareth Long and Robbie Wongawol at Lorna Glen. Picture: Mogens Johansen/The West Australian
Traditional owners from Wiluna in the northern Goldfields have been officially acknowledged by the Federal Court, enshrining their rights ahead of final negotiations over WA's first uranium mine.
At a ceremony in the remote town 950km north-east of Perth yesterday, Justice Neil McKerracher ended 16 years of process by formally recognising the native title determination of the Wiluna claim group.
Touted as momentous and "a long time coming", the decision grants the Wiluna traditional owners native title rights over a vast area of central WA that includes working pastoral stations and mine sites.
It comes at a delicate time, given well-advanced plans by Adelaide-based uranium miner Toro Energy to build the State's first yellowcake project near the town on land owned by the claimant group.
Then Federal environment minister Tony Burke approved the project this year, but it is believed a crucial mining agreement between the company and traditional owners is yet to be struck.
Mike Allbrook, a lawyer for the Central Desert Native Title Services, said the determination - at least legally - confirmed the Wiluna group's unbroken physical and cultural relationship with the land.
"The Wiluna mob has been fighting a long time for recognition and they've finally got it," he said.
