As part of the ongoing implementation of the Blue Mud Bay Implementation Action Plan the Territory Labor Government has written to the Northern Land Council seeking to refresh long-term access agreements to popular recreational fishing areas overlying Aboriginal land in the Top End.
Under the Blue Mud Bay Implementation Action Plan the NT Government and the Northern Land Council are committed to a series of actions to lock in long-term recreational fishing access and create new opportunities and jobs for Traditional Owners.
While the Territory Labor Government continues to seek long term access agreements to popular fishing areas we also respect the rights and interests of Traditional Owners, and acknowledge that some areas affected by the Blue Mud Bay decision may not be able to be incorporated into an open access arrangement for cultural and other reasons.
The Territory Labor Government is also advancing work with the Northern Land Council and other stakeholders to progress other parts of the Blue Mud Bay Implementation Action Plan, including supporting the establishment of an Aboriginal Sea Company, reviewing the Fisheries Act 1988 (NT), reviewing the Barramundi Fishery and expanding Aboriginal Coastal Licenses.
Quotes from Minister from Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Selena Uibo:
"The Territory Labor Government is delivering for Aboriginal Territorians, by working closely with the NLC and supporting Traditional Owners.
"This Government knows the importance of supporting Traditional Owners to drive sustainable, economic opportunities which will benefit Aboriginal Territorians and support jobs on country."
Quotes from Minister for Recreational Fishing, Paul Kirby:
"Every successful Long Term Access Agreement in the Territory was negotiated under a Labor Government."
"These waters belong to the Traditional Owners and any access decisions ultimately rest with them. We have provided an offer of funding through the NLC for recreational fishing access to areas that are currently closed in the Finniss River and the Mini Mini/Murganella regions. Should the Traditional Owners choose to allow access, this will be passed on to them."
