The confidence and self esteem of the Tubbagah people, from the New South Wales regional city of Dubbo, has received a welcome boost following the establishment of an agreement which preserved Aboriginal culture and protected the interests of rural stockholders. The agreement between the Dubbo City Council, the Tubbagah people of the Wiradjuri Nation, the New South Wales Government and the Dubbo Rural Lands Protection Board was finalised in December 2002.
It established a way for the groups to work together to manage a reserve area bordering the Macquarie River north of Dubbo. It was during mediation of the Tubbagah people’s native title claim that the interests of each of the parties became clear. Council wanted to ensure everyone in the community could continue to access the reserve area, the Tubbagah people wanted to protect sites of cultural significance, including a traditional burial ground, and the Dubbo Rural Lands Protection Board wanted to continue using the area as a holding space for travelling stock.
Under the agreement, mediated by National Native Title Tribunal Member, Ruth Wade, the State Government revoked two reserves and created three new reserves. These included the Terramungamine Reserve for public recreation and preservation of Aboriginal culture, a dedicated Aboriginal burial ground and a reserve for travelling stock.
Dubbo City Council and the NSW Government recognised the Terramungamine Reserve area was a part of the Tubbagah people’s traditional country, without native title recognition, and the applicants withdrew their native title claim.
Will Burns, elected spokesperson for the Tubbagah people, said the agreement was being implemented but there is still a lot of work to do.
“We’re still working with Council on projects and activities but two and a half years is not that long,” he said. “It will be another two years before we have something to crow about.
“This agreement was the biggest step towards being acknowledged as the traditional people for this area. It’s done so much for our confidence and self esteem for our elders as well as our young people. We’re still feeling very confident with the decision and are looking forward to long term outcomes and working together with these groups.”
Dubbo Land Council Manager of Landcare Services, Lynton Auld, said Local Governments could reach good native title outcomes if they stopped being fearful of the process and looked at the possibilities for better relationships.
“The agreement diffused a potentially combative situation and was a win win outcome for all parties involved,” he said.
