North Qld community gets Native Title

The far northwest Aboriginal community of the Kowanyama People has been recognised
with a Native Title determination, which they say will allow them a future of true
self-governance.
Justice Greenwood of the Federal Court on Thursday will recognise the Kowanyama
People - who are located in the Cape York Peninsula 460km northwest of Cairns - with
exclusive native title rights over 2,518 square kilometres of land.
The Kowanyama people will also be recognised with non-exclusive rights over 213sq km
of sea, beach and tidal areas.
Native Title holder Leslie Gilbert said the title wasn't just a piece of paper, but
the capacity to speak for the country using a combination of old and new science.
"While we have long asserted our native title rights, this formal recognition, with
a few restrictions, demonstrates confidence and trust in our capacity, and respect
for our traditional land and water management practices," she said.
It is the third consent determination in the Cape York this year.