THE Mithaka People’s 33,820 square kilometre native title claim over far south west Queensland has been recognised by the Federal Court.
It is one of the largest native title claims in Queensland and one of nine native title determinations made in Queensland this year.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion said the claim was first lodged in 2002. It was at one stage was headed for litigation but had been resolved by consent, he said.
“This determination recognises the endurance of the Mithaka People, and their native title rights under Australian law,” Mr Scullion said. “The Mithaka People of the magnificent Channel country in far western Queensland now have certainty that their rich culture and their rights and interests are preserved for future generations.
“It is my great hope that securing native title will provide Mithaka People with the foundation to build sustainable economic and cultural development and ensure prosperity through their designated corporate entity, the Mithaka Aboriginal Corporation.”
Thynne and McCartney lawyer Ari McCamley said landholders notified of a native title claim affecting their land should become a respondent to the action.
“That way landholders are kept informed of any developments in a process that can take years to resolve,” Mr McCamley said.
The Mithaka People were represented in their claim by Queensland South Native Title Services which receives Commonwealth funding.
