Many Councils throughout Australia are involved in responding to native title claims. As landholders of substantial areas of public land that may or may not be affected by native title, Local Government is a major stakeholder in native title processes. There may also be implications for other areas of Council operations including service delivery, infrastructure provision and maintenance, and strategic and land use planning functions.
Local Councils are perhaps the only bodies that can legitimately represent the interests of the local community, including Indigenous and non-indigenous interests. These responsibilities demand that local Councils be aware of the nuances of the Native Title Act 1993 and the processes available under the Act.
To assist Councils in understanding the native title processes, many State/Territory Local Government Associations are conducting information seminars in conjunction with the National Native Title Tribunal, specifically for Local Government audiences in various locations around Australia.
In addition, to assist Local Government in responding to native title matters, the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) is currently preparing two information kits.
One will be a practical guide on ‘How to develop, implement and review agreements between Local Government and Indigenous Australians’. The other will provide detailed information on how to work with the native title processes under the Native Title Act 1993. These kits are expected to become available in April.
If you would like more information, please contact your State/Territory Local Government Association, or Ed Wensing, ALGA’s Native Title Project Manager, telephone (02) 6281 1211 or email ewensing@alga.com.au
