Central Land Council launches booklets to assist Traditional Owners maximise Native Title rights

Dechlan Brennan Published October 10, 2024 at 10.30am (AWST)

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Resources to assist Traditional Owners maximise Native Title benefits and rights were launched at the recent Central Land Council Meeting in Ross River, east of Alice Springs. (Image: Central Land Council)

The Central Land Council has launched plain English information resources to assist Traditional Owners get the most out of their Native Title benefits and rights.

Launched in the wake of the Central Land Council's (CLC) 50th anniversary celebration, which saw a number of prominent Aboriginal people make appearances and speak fondly about the history of the council, How to claim native title and Native title and mining were launched by the elected members in Ross River, an hour east of Alice Springs, during the last meeting of the current council's term.

The two easy-to-read booklets complement a series of Native Title booklets, as well as the multilingual PBCmob app, which Native Title holders in the region covered by the CLC launched last year and will soon be recorded into local Aboriginal languages.

Once uploaded to the app, it's hoped they will reduce literacy and language barriers to understanding the Native Title Act (1993).

Approximately one third of the area covered by the CLC has, or will soon have, their Native Title rights and interests recognised.

CLC chief executive Lesley Turner said, "Knowledge is power, and these new booklets aim to return power where it belongs – with the native title holders."

The CLC also celebrated 30 years as a Native Title representative body (NTRB) this year, with former Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, re-recognising the land council as an NTRB until June 2030.

"This enables Aboriginal people to have a seat at the table to negotiate agreements when something is happening on their traditional country," Mr Turner said.

Mr Turner thanked CLC members for their service over the last three years, with council elections scheduled for April next year. Until then, the CLC's 11-member executive committee will still meet every two months.

A multilingual media campaign will be released in the new year, helping to inform CLC constituents how they can vote in the election, or stand for election themselves.

"Our chair and other members have been encouraging young people and women to join them on the next council," Mr Turner said.