A Federal Court hearing in the far west of South Australia will recognise native title over almost 76,000 square kilometres of land.
It amalgamates five previous and partially overlapping areas, stretching from just north of Streaky Bay to the border with Western Australia.
About 80 per cent of the land is designated as national park, reserve and wilderness zone and includes the towns of Ceduna, Denial Bay and Smoky Bay.
South Australian Environment Minister Ian Hunter says it is a landmark decision.
“We’ve signed co-management agreements over the Yumbarra Conservation Park and the Nullarbor Wilderness Protection Area and that means the State Government and the local community will manage those parks together,” he said.
“It recognises the long, historic fight and contribution of local groups to actually have their claims heard.”
Justice John Mansfield will preside over the hearing at Pidinga Lake, north of Yalata, today.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-05/federal-court-hearing-marks-far-west-native-title/5136188
