New native ruling in WA
The Federal Court has made a new native title ruling in favour of the Gooniyandi people in Western Australia's north.
The Giniyjawarrni Yoowaniya Riwi application was part of the same community's prior claim, which was determined in October 2016.
The old deal was discontinued to allow the new application to be made on behalf of the Gooniyandi and Kija people together.
The native title determination was reached by consent from all parties.
It covers about 2212sq km of land and water in the Kimberley region, about 420km east of Broome.
Justice Craig Colvin described said the native title determinations was a “significant cultural and legal event”.
“It recognises matters that reach back well before this court and the institutions of the government of which it is part,” he said.
“I am satisfied that the agreement between the parties has been informed by due consideration of the connection of the members of the claim group to the land that comprises the claim area.”
The Kimberley Land Council described it as a “special day and important achievement”.