The Northern Land Council has welcomed the recent Federal Court decision in the McArthur River Mine case as "an important milestone for Native Title Holders".
The Land Council noted that the outcome came after more than ten years of advocacy and court action by Gudanji, Yanyuwa and Yanyuwa-Marra peoples.
The McArthur River Mine compensation claim was first filed by the Northern Land Council on behalf of Gudanji, Yanyuwa and Yanyuwa-Marra Native Title Holders in December 2020; seeking compensation from the Northern Territory government on the grounds that the establishment of the McArthur River Mine in 1992 and open-cut mining at the site caused "significant cultural, spiritual, economic and environmental damage to Country, damage that persists today", the Council noted.
Friday's decision, in which the court ordered the Northern Territory to pay more than $54 million in compensation to Traditional Owners over the development of the McArthur River Mine, operated by Glencore, near Borroloola, marked the largest compensation award for impacts to culture and Country in Australia.
In 2023, the case went to trial in an on-country hearing and in the Darwin Federal Court, where a number of Traditional Owner witnesses gave evidence of the damage to their native title rights caused by the McArthur River Project.
Almost six years on, the long-awaited decision - the NLC noted - sets "an important precedent for Native Title holders who are owed compensations from government or third party organisations right across the country".
Northern Land Council Chair, Matthew Ryan, said the decision was "a testament to the hard-fought advocacy of the Gudanji, Yanyuwau and Yanyuwa-Marra peoples, who for years have stood up and spoken strong for their country".
"Now, they will receive some of what is owed to them by the Northern Territory Government," he said.
"This decision is long-awaited and I hope that Native Title holders across Australia see what is possible."
Gudanji Traditional Owner Chris Pluto said there was still work to be done.
"This is my Father's country that I am fighting for. He fought before me and I fight not for myself, but for all Gudanji people," he said.
"It made me feel good that the Judge recognised the damage that's happened to our country because of this mine, but we've still got to keep fighting.
"At the end of the day, we want our Country back. The damage will keep happening if we don't get it back."
Gudanji Traditional Owner, Josie Davey said it had been a long struggle for justice.
"For years we have been repeating ourselves and fighting. Our country is just getting damaged and will continue to be damaged," she said.
"It makes me feel proud that this outcome might help other mob across the Country with their fight. It's important to keep fighting."
Gudanji, Yanyuwa and Yanyuwa-Marra Native Title Holders outside court in Darwin after the ruling was handed down on Friday. Image: Northern Land Council.
