Wajarri Yamatji loses Native Title cases

Photo Credit: www.ymac.org.au

GEOFF VIVIAN

Wajarri Yamatji native title group has lost six cases this month because it did not get its paperwork into the Native Title Tribunal.

The group had a win against prospector Simon John Lawes last month for a proposed exploration license southwest of Meekatharra.

However, it did not convince Tribunal member Helen Shurven to stop Lawes exploring in another part of Wajarri Yamatji Number 1 determination area.

Ms. Shurven said Wajarri Yamaji had the opportunity to present its materials in this matter.

“Having not done so, or communicated with the Tribunal about why they have not done so, I consider this objection application should be dismissed,” she said.

She gave identical reasons for dismissing Wajarri Yamaji’s objection to Beau Resources’ application for an exploration license on its Native Title land.

Wajarri Yamaji also lost its case against Sandfire Resources who had applied for four exploration licenses in the same determination area, for areas south of Peak Hill.

In her judgment, Ms. Shurven said Wajarri Yamaji had not tendered any new evidence but relied on old evidence it had produced to support its objections to other proposed exploration licenses, including Mr. Lawes’ application.

Last week National Native Title Council chairman Kado Muir told Ngaarda Media that most Prescribed Bodies Corporate did not have the resources to successfully defend their objections to exploration license applications.