The WA Government has committed to the transfer of more than 1.4 million hectares of land within the Wanjina-Wunggurr Wilinggin Native Title determination area to Wilinggin Aboriginal Corporation, on behalf of the Ngarinyin Traditional Owners.
The transfer is part of the newly registered Wilinggin Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA).
The ILUA between the State Government and the Ngarinyin Traditional Owners will facilitate the transfer of land across Wilinggin Country in the Kimberley, including nine properties from the Aboriginal Lands Trust amounting to more than 40,000 hectares.
“The Cook Government is committed to providing appropriate land tenure that supports Aboriginal communities and Native Title owners across the State to create opportunities for employment, training and sustainable self-management,” said Planning and Lands Minister, John Carey.
“Under stewardship of the Wilinggin Aboriginal Corporation, these land transfers will support connection to Country and enhance social and cultural outcomes for the Ngarinyin people.”
Two significant pastoral leases, spanning over half a million hectares in total and situated along the iconic Gibb River Road, will also be transferred to the Wilinggin Aboriginal Corporation who will manage the land on behalf of the Traditional Owners.
The ILUA effectively returns control over these lands to the Ngarinyin people, enabling them to carry out land and cultural management activities that will drive social, cultural and economic benefits for their community.
“This agreement represents an important step towards economic independence and self-management for the Ngarinyin people, opening opportunities that have the potential to be transformational for those living on Wilinggin Country today and into the future,” said Aboriginal Affairs Minister, Don Punch.
“It also demonstrates this government’s ongoing commitment to divesting the vast majority of the Aboriginal Lands Trust estate and supporting better outcomes for all Indigenous Western Australians.”
Wilinggin Aboriginal Corporation Chair, Arnold Sahanna said he welcomed the completion of the Indigenous Land Use Agreement process between Wilinggin and the State Government.
“I thank the government for the constructive and innovative way that the ILUA negotiations were carried out and look forward to future opportunities where the State and Wilinggin can build on the achievements of today’s outcomes,” said Mr Sahanna.
