© Environment News Service (ENS) 2001
September 17, 2001

SYDNEY, Australia, September 17, 2001 (ENS) - Indigenous land use agreements have been signed between the Kalkadoon People, the Queensland Government and a number of mineral exploration companies, the National Native Title Tribunal has announced.

The indigenous land use agreements (ILUAs) will allow about 90 exploration licences to be granted within an area near Mt. Isa covered by a Kalkadoon native title application.

Tribunal president Graeme Neate said Thursday that the agreements give indigenous parties economic security and cultural protection while providing certainty to exploration companies.

Representatives from the Kalkadoon People and exploration companies in the Mt. Isa region joined Queensland Premier Peter Beattie to sign the agreements at a ceremony in Brisbane today.

Neate said parties to the ILUAs had invited the National Native Title Tribunal to help them overcome an impasse in negotiations in May. Tribunal mediators worked with the parties for four months to help them reach a final agreement.

The indigenous parties have a right to provide induction training so that exploration staff have a basic understanding of Kalkadoon culture and attachment to the land.

They obtained a commitment that explorers take "reasonable steps" to preserve and protect their cultural heritage; and they will have access to employment opportunities and benefits from exploration.

Neate said once registered with the National Native Title Tribunal, the ILUAs will be legally binding and enforceable, allowing developments to proceed while protecting the interests of native title holders and claimants.

Tourists drawn by lakes, mountains, aboriginal rock art and culture now flock to Mt. Isa, a town of 22,061 people. The area once was a bustling mining center and the old gold mines of Mount Cuthbert and Kajabbi still stand as reminders of those days.

In the near future, miners will be making their appearance once again. Error: Unable to read footer file.