One of Australia's most significant native title agreements, the Yamatji Nation Indigenous Land Use Agreement, has today been registered.
The registration is a significant milestone for the historic agreement that will see the release of over half a billion dollars in benefits to native title holders in Western Australia's Mid-West.
The Indigenous Land Use Agreement aligns with the McGowan Government's push to resolve native title claims across Western Australia and support Aboriginal self-determination.
The native title determinations to be determined as part of the Agreement mean the McGowan Government will have settled 56 claims covering almost 600,000 km2 or almost a quarter of the State.
The Yamatji Agreement received widespread support from the community when it was executed in February.
It made its way through the registration process unchallenged, and was today placed on the National Native Title Tribunal's Register of Indigenous Land Use Agreements.
The Agreement provides for recognition of native title over significant parcels of land in the Agreement Area and will ensure that Yamatji Nation members become major players in the regional economy.
This unique agreement delivers economic development opportunities for the people of the Yamatji Nation that will provide sustainable, social and economic independence and self-determination for current and future generations.
These include funding for business development, the transfer of commercial land, joint ventures, tourism opportunities, and access to housing properties for sale, leasing or development.
Additionally, there are revenue streams from mining, and from leasing or sale of land in the Oakajee Industrial Estate, as well as a Strategic Aboriginal Water Reserve for use or trade.
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt:
"This Agreement is a key element of the McGowan Government's support for self-determination by Aboriginal people.
"It provides Yamatji people with the means to play a meaningful role in the Mid-West economy and create financial independence for future generations."
