Major native title milestone reached with Northern Goldfields
The WA State Government has celebrated a significant milestone in Western Australia’s native title journey with the recognition of Payarri Traditional Owners in the Northern Goldfields.
The Federal Court determination marks the 125th consent determination recognising native title in WA and comes 25 years after the first consent determination in the State.
This means native title now covers more than three quarters of Western Australia – the largest area of any State or Territory in the nation.
This outcome follows more than three years of negotiation between the State and Payarri Traditional Owners, with the determination covering approximately 3,702 square kilometres of land.
Ngalia man Kado Muir started the process in 1994.
“Twenty-five years after Western Australia’s first consent determination, I congratulate the Payarri Native Title holders on this significant achievement,” Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch said.
“The WA Government acknowledges the 125th consent determination recognising native title in Western Australia and looks forward to building an enduring and collaborative relationship with the Payarri Aboriginal Corporation.
Working with native title holders
“Our government is committed to working with Traditional Owners to resolve native title matters through collaboration and agreement-making.”
The Payarri Aboriginal Corporation will become the registered native title body corporate for the determination.
The event was celebrated in the Northern Goldfields, with Traditional Owners and WA Government representatives on Thursday.
The WA Government remains committed to supporting the recognition of Traditional Owners’ connection to Country. This includes working with native title holders in a way that respects their rights, protects cultural heritage, strengthens land management aspirations, and creates opportunities for local communities.
