BEING SATISFIED that an order in the terms set out below is within the power of the Court, and it appearing appropriate to the Court to do so, pursuant to s 87A of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).
[2]
BY CONSENT THE COURT ORDERS THAT:
There be a determination of native title in the terms set out below (the Determination).
Each party to the proceedings is to bear its own costs.
[3]
BY CONSENT THE COURT DETERMINES THAT:
3. The determination area is the land and waters described in Schedule 4 and depicted in the map attached to Schedule 6 to the extent those areas are within the External Boundary and not otherwise excluded by the terms of Schedule 5 (the Determination Area). To the extent of any inconsistency between the written description and the map, the written description prevails.
4. Native title exists in the Determination Area.
5. The native title is held by the Wakka Wakka People described in Schedule 1 (the Native Title Holders).
6. Subject to orders 8, 9 and 10 below the nature and extent of the native title rights and interests in relation to the land and waters described in Part 1 of Schedule 4 are:
(a) other than in relation to Water, the right to possession, occupation, use and enjoyment of the area to the exclusion of all others; and
(b) in relation to Water, the non-exclusive rights to:
(i) hunt, fish and gather from the Water of the area;
(ii) take the Natural Resources of the Water in the area; and
(iii) take the Water of the area,
for personal, domestic and non-commercial communal purposes.
7. Subject to orders 8, 9 and 10 below the nature and extent of the native title rights and interests in relation to the land and waters described in Part 2 of Schedule 4 are the non-exclusive rights to:
(a) access, be present on, move about on and travel over the area;
(b) camp, and live temporarily on the area as part of camping, and for that purpose build temporary shelters;
(c) hunt, fish and gather on the land and waters of the area for personal, domestic and non-commercial communal purposes;
(d) take Natural Resources from the land and waters of the area for personal, domestic and non-commercial communal purposes;
(e) take the Water of the area for personal, domestic and non-commercial communal purposes;
(f) conduct ceremonies on the area;
(g) bury Native Title Holders within the area;
(h) maintain places of importance and areas of significance to the Native Title Holders under their traditional laws and customs and protect those places and areas from physical harm;
(i) teach on the area the physical and spiritual attributes of the area;
(j) hold meetings on the area;
(k) light fires on the area for domestic purposes including cooking, but not for the purpose of hunting or clearing vegetation; and
(l) be accompanied onto the area by certain persons who, though not Native Title Holders, are:
(i) spouses of Native Title Holders; or
(ii) persons required or permitted under the traditional laws acknowledged and traditional customs observed by the Native Title Holders for the performance of, assistance with, or participation in rituals or ceremonies.
8. The native title rights and interests are subject to and exercisable in accordance with:
(a) the Laws of the State and the Commonwealth; and
(b) the traditional laws acknowledged and traditional customs observed by the Native Title Holders.
9. The native title rights and interests referred to in orders 6(b) and 7 do not confer possession, occupation, use or enjoyment to the exclusion of all others.
10. There are no native title rights in or in relation to minerals as defined by the Mineral Resources Act 1989 (Qld) and petroleum as defined by the Petroleum Act 1923 (Qld) and the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004 (Qld).
11. The nature and extent of any other interests in relation to the Determination Area (or respective parts thereof) are set out in Schedule 2.
12. The relationship between the native title rights and interests described in orders 6 and 7 and the other interests described in Schedule 2 (the Other Interests) is that:
(a) the Other Interests continue to have effect, and the rights conferred by or held under the Other Interests may be exercised notwithstanding the existence of the native title rights and interests;
(b) to the extent the Other Interests are inconsistent with the continued existence, enjoyment or exercise of the native title rights and interests in relation to the land and waters of the Determination Area, the native title continues to exist in its entirety but the native title rights and interests have no effect in relation to the Other Interests to the extent of the inconsistency for so long as the Other Interests exist; and
(c) the Other Interests and any activity that is required or permitted by or under, and done in accordance with, the Other Interests, or any activity that is associated with or incidental to such an activity, prevail over the native title rights and interests and any exercise of the native title rights and interests.
[4]
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
13. In this determination, unless the contrary intention appears:
[5]
"Animal" means any member of the animal kingdom (other than human), whether alive or dead;
"External Boundary" means the area described in Schedule 3;
"land" and "waters", respectively, have the same meanings as in the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth);
"Laws of the State and the Commonwealth" means the common law and the laws of the State of Queensland and the Commonwealth of Australia, and includes legislation, regulations, statutory instruments, local planning instruments and local laws;
"Local Government Act" has the meaning given in the Local Government Act 2009 (Qld);
"Local Government" has the meaning given in the Local Government Act 2009 (Qld);
"Local Government Area" has the meaning given in the Local Government Act 2009 (Qld);
"Natural Resources" means:
(a) any Animals and Plants found on or in the lands and waters of the Determination Area; and
(b) any clays, soil, sand, gravel or rock found on or below the surface of the Determination Area,
that have traditionally been taken by the Native Title Holders,
(c) but does not include:
i. Animals that are the private personal property of another;
ii. crops that are the private personal property of another; and
iii. minerals as defined in the Mineral Resources Act 1989 (Qld); or
iv. petroleum as defined in the Petroleum Act 1923 (Qld) and the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004 (Qld);
"Plant" means any member of the plant or fungus kingdom, whether alive or dead and standing or fallen;
"Reserve" means a reserve dedicated or taken to be a reserve under the Land Act 1994 (Qld);
"Water" means:
(a) water which flows, whether permanently or intermittently, within a river, creek or stream; and
(b) any natural collection of water, whether permanent or intermittent.
"Works" has the same meaning as in the Electricity Act 1994 (Qld).
[6]
Other words and expressions used in this determination have the same meanings as they have in Part 15 of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).
[7]
THE COURT DETERMINES THAT:
14. The native title is held in trust.
15. The Wakka Wakka Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (ICN: 8903), incorporated under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth), is to:
(a) be the prescribed body corporate for the purpose of ss 56(2)(b) and 56(3) of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth); and
(b) perform the functions mentioned in s 57(1) of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) after becoming a registered native title body corporate.
Note: Entry of orders is dealt with in Rule 39.32 of the Federal Court Rules 2011.
SCHEDULE 1
NATIVE TITLE HOLDERS
The Native Title Holders are the Wakka Wakka People. The Wakka Wakka People are those people who identify as Wakka Wakka in accordance with traditional laws acknowledged and traditional customs observed by them and who are the descendants of one or more of the following people:
(a) Jenny Carlo and David Carlo (parents of Princess Carlo);
(b) Minnie Bly (mother of Thomas Simpson), Ethel and Bill Button (father of Ethel Button);
(c) Mother of Maggie Hart (grandmother of Crabbie Chapman and Henry Hart);
(d) Mother of Willie Boy Pickering;
(e) King Billy and Maria of Boondooma (parents of Tommy Dodd of Taabinga);
(f) Maggie West;
(g) Kitty of Boonara;
(h) MiMi;
(i) Kitty (mother of Jack Bulong);
(j) John Bond;
(k) Kitty (mother of Jenny Lind), Jenny Lind and Mick Buck;
(l) Boubijan Cobbo;
(m) Stockman Bligh and Aggie Bligh;
(n) Tommy (aka Boondoon) and Maggie (parents of Willie Bone), Billy McKenzie (father of Chlorine McKenzie), Chlorine McKenzie;
(o) Kate/Katie/Kitty Law;
(p) Emily of Degilbo (mother of Annie);
(q) Taabinga Harry.
SCHEDULE 2
OTHER INTERESTS IN THE DETERMINATION AREA
The nature and extent of the other interests in relation to the Determination Area are the following as they exist as at the date of the determination:
The rights and interests of the parties under the following agreements registered on the Register of Indigenous Land Use Agreements:
(a) Florence Bell, Michael Bond Snr, Patricia Bond, Cynthia Button, Kevin Doolan, Arnold Murray, and Carl Simpson on behalf of the Wakka Wakka People #3 (QI2018/019) and the Gympie Regional Council, registered on 13 December 2018 (the Wakka Wakka People #3 and the Gympie Regional Council Indigenous Land Use Agreement); and
(b) TEC Coal Pty Ltd and Stanwell Corporation Limited under the Wakka Wakka #2 and Tarong ILUA (QI2008/027), dated 16 March 2009, between Cyril Couchy, David Anthony Beezley, George Bone, Kevin John Doolan, Michael Bond, Oscar Chapman, Robert Lacy, Beryl Gambrill, Pam Peggy Duncan and Patricia Dawn Bond, on their own behalf and on behalf of the Wakka Wakka People, and TEC Coal Pty Ltd and Tarong Energy Corporation Limited, which was registered on the Register of Indigenous Land Use Agreements on 8 September 2009.
The rights and interests of the holders of the following leases or permits granted pursuant to the Land Act 1962 (Qld) or Land Act 1994 (Qld):
(a) term lease for grazing purposes TL0/235010 over Lot 313 on FY509;
(b) term lease for grazing purposes TL0/234138 over Lot 5 on MZ21, within Lot 255 on FTY1025;
(c) term lease for grazing purposes TL0/239788 over Lot A on MZ1179, within Lot 342 on MZ1078;
(d) term lease for grazing purposes TL0/241719 over Lot A on MZ1067, within Lot 108 on MZ1067;
(e) term lease for pastoral purposes TL0/231460 over Lot 14 on MZ830, within Lot 220 on FTY998;
(f) rolling term lease for grazing purposes TL0/212600 over Lot 57 on BO406 and Lot 8 on BO516;
(g) rolling term lease for grazing purposes TL0/234223 over Lot 18 on BO77;
(h) rolling term lease for grazing purposes TL0/231052 over Lot 30 on BO560; and
(i) permit to occupy PO 0/230732 over Lot A on AP14756, within Lot 44 on BO391.
The rights and interests of the holders of the following tenements granted pursuant to the Mineral Resources Act 1989 (Qld):
(a) mineral development licence MDL 200;
(b) mineral development licence MDL 201; and
(c) mining lease ML 6674.
The rights and interests of Telstra Corporation Limited (ACN 051 775 556):
(a) as the owner or operator of telecommunications facilities within the Determination Area;
(b) created pursuant to the Post and Telegraph Act 1901 (Cth), the Telecommunications Act 1975 (Cth), the Australian Telecommunications Corporation Act 1989 (Cth), the Telecommunications Act 1991 (Cth) and the Telecommunications Act 1997 (Cth), including rights:
(i) to inspect land;
(ii) to install, occupy and operate telecommunications facilities; and
(iii) to alter, remove, replace, maintain, repair and ensure the proper functioning of its telecommunications facilities;
(c) for its employees, agents or contractors to access its telecommunications facilities in and in the vicinity of the Determination Area in the performance of their duties; and
(d) under any lease, licence, access agreement, permit or easement relating to its telecommunications facilities in the Determination Area.
The rights and interests of Ergon Energy Corporation (ACN 087 646 062):
(a) as the owner and operator of any Works within the Determination Area;
(b) as a distribution entity and the holder of a distribution authority under the Electricity Act 1994 (Qld);
(c) created under the Electricity Act 1994 (Qld) and the Government Owned Corporations Act 1993 (Qld) including:
(i) rights in relation to any agreement relating to the Determination Area existing or entered into before the date on which these orders are made;
(ii) rights to enter the Determination Area by its employees, agents or contractors to exercise any of the rights and interests referred to in this paragraph; and
(iii) to inspect, maintain and manage any Works in the Determination Area.
The rights and interests of Sunwater Limited, including:
(a) an estate in Sunwater land (vested) in Lot 502 on FY2592;
(b) rights, interests and responsibilities as owner, occupier and operator of dams (including impoundment areas), weirs, pipelines, barrages, channels, water treatment plants and other such infrastructure located within the Determination Area;
(c) rights, interests and responsibilities under the Water Act 2000 (Qld) and the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008 (Qld), including as a water service provider, resource operations licence holder and bulk water supplier; and
(d) rights to enter the Determination Area by its employees, agents or contractors to exercise any of the rights and interests referred to in this paragraph 6 of Schedule 2.
The rights and interests of Stanwell Corporation Limited:
(a) as the owner and operator of electricity generation and associated facilities in the Determination Area;
(b) as an electricity entity, as that term is defined in the Electricity Act 1994 (Qld), including:
(i) as the holder of a generation authority under the Electricity Act 1994 (Qld);
(ii) rights to enter the Determination Area by its employees, agents or contractors, at any reasonable time, to exercise any of the rights and interests referred to in this paragraph, including to access, inspect, operate, manage, maintain, repair, replace, upgrade or otherwise deal with any electricity generation or associated facilities in the Determination Area; and
(iii) as the owner and operator of the Wivenhoe Dam - Tarong Power Station Pipeline, including the rights to enter the Determination Area by its employees, agents or contractors, at any reasonable time, to access, inspect, operate, manage, maintain, repair, replace, upgrade or otherwise deal with the said pipeline.
(c) arising under the
(i) Cultural Heritage Management Plan - Northern Land Ash Emplacement Project, dated 8 September 2008, between Pam Duncan, Beryl Gambril and George Bone, as Endorsed Aboriginal Parties, and Tarong Energy Corporation Limited, which was approved by a delegate of the Chief Executive under section 107 of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (Qld) on 7 May 2009.
The rights and interests of Stanwell Corporation Limited and TEC Coal Pty Ltd arising under the Cultural Heritage Investigation Agreement, dated 8 September 2006, as varied on or about 5 September 2008, between Beryl Gambrill, Pam Duncan, Duncan Cobbo, George Bone, Patty Bond and Michael Bond, as Wakka Wakka No. 2 Aboriginal Parties, and Tarong Energy Corporation Limited.
The rights and interests of Gympie Regional Council, North Burnett Regional Council, and South Burnett Regional Council (jointly 'Council'):
(a) under their local government jurisdiction and functions under the Local Government Act 2009 (Qld), under the Stock Route Management Act 2002 (Qld), under any other Local Government Act, or under any other legislation, for that part of the Determination Area within the area declared to be their respective Local Government Areas;
(b) as the:
(i) lessor under any leases which were validly entered into before the date on which these orders are made and whether separately particularised in these orders or not;
(ii) grantor of any licences or other rights and interests which were validly granted before the date on which these orders were made and whether separately particularised in these orders or not;
(iii) holder of any estate or any other interest in land;
(iv) trustee of any Reserves or holder of any interest under access agreements or easements;
(c) as the owner and operator of infrastructure, structures, earthworks, access works and any other facilities and other improvements located in the Determination Area validly constructed or established on or before the date on which these orders are made, including but not limited to:
(i) undedicated but constructed roads except for those not operated by Council;
(ii) water pipelines and water supply infrastructure;
(iii) drainage facilities;
(iv) watering point facilities;
(v) recreational facilities;
(vi) transport facilities;
(vii) gravel pits operated by Council;
(viii) cemetery and cemetery related facilities; and
(ix) community facilities;
(d) to enter the land for the purposes described in paragraphs 9(a), 9(b) and 9(c) above by their employees, agents or contractors to:
(i) exercise any of the rights and interests referred to in this paragraph 9 and paragraph 10 below;
(ii) use, operate, inspect, maintain, replace, restore and repair the infrastructure, facilities and other improvements referred to in paragraph 9(c) above; and
(iii) undertake operational activities in its capacity as a Local Government such as feral animal control, erosion control, waste management and fire management.
The rights and interests of the State of Queensland, the Gympie Regional Council, North Burnett Regional Council and South Burnett Regional Council to access, use, operate, maintain and control the dedicated roads in the Determination Area and the rights and interests of the public to use and access the roads.
The rights and interests of the State of Queensland in Reserves, the rights and interests of the trustees of those Reserves and the rights and interests of the persons entitled to access and use those Reserves for the respective purpose for which they are reserved.
The rights and interests of the State of Queensland or any other person existing by reason of the force and operation of the laws of the State of Queensland, including those existing by reason of the following legislation or any regulation, statutory instrument, declaration, plan, authority, permit, lease or licence made, granted, issued or entered into under that legislation:
(a) the Land Act 1994 (Qld);
(b) the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Qld);
(c) the Forestry Act 1959 (Qld);
(d) the Water Act 2000 (Qld);
(e) the Petroleum Act 1923 (Qld) or Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004 (Qld);
(f) the Mineral Resources Act 1989 (Qld);
(g) the Planning Act 2016 (Qld);
(h) the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 (Qld);
(i) the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990 (Qld) or Ambulance Service Act 1991 (Qld);
(j) the Fisheries Act 1994 (Qld);
(k) the Vegetation Management Act 1999 (Qld); and
(l) the Stock Route Management Act 2002 (Qld).
So far as confirmed pursuant to s 212(2) of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) and s18 of the Native Title (Queensland) Act 1993 (Qld) as at the date of this Determination, any existing rights of the public to access and enjoy the following places in the Determination Area:
(a) waterways;
(b) beds and banks or foreshores of waterways;
(c) stock routes; or
(d) areas that were public places at the end of 31 December 1993;
The rights and interests of members of the public arising under the common law, including but not limited to the following:
(a) any subsisting public right to fish; and
(b) the public right to navigate.
Then northerly along the western boundary of that lot back to the commencement point
That part of Lot 252 on Plan SP280472 south of a line drawn from the western boundary of that lot at Latitude 26.293305° South to the eastern boundary of that lot at Latitude 26.293563° South. 86 ^
Lot 267 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 268 on Plan SP280472 86, 87 ^
Lot 269 on Plan SP280472 86, 87 ^
Lot 270 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 271 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 272 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 273 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 274 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 275 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 277 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 278 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 279 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 280 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 281 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 282 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 283 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 284 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 285 on Plan SP280472 86, 87 ^
Lot 286 on Plan SP280472 86, 87 ^
Lot 287 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 292 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 293 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 294 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 295 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 296 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 297 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 298 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 299 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 300 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 301 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 302 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 303 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 304 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 305 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 306 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 307 on Plan SP280472 83 ^
Lot 308 on Plan SP280472 83 ^
Lot 309 on Plan SP280472 83 ^
Lot 310 on Plan SP280472 86 ^
Lot 311 on Plan SP280472 86 ^
Lot 312 on Plan SP280472 86, 87 ^
Lot 320 on Plan SP280472 86 ^
Lot 321 on Plan SP280472 86 ^
Lot 325 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 355 on Plan SP280472 80 ^
Lot 356 on Plan SP280472 80 ^
Lot 357 on Plan SP280472 80 ^
Lot 359 on Plan SP280472 81 ^
Lot 360 on Plan SP280472 81 ^
Lot 361 on Plan SP280472 81, 82 ^
Lot 365 on Plan SP280472 82 ^
Lot 371 on Plan SP280472 82 ^
Lot 375 on Plan SP280472 79 ^
Lot 377 on Plan SP280472 84 ^
Lot 378 on Plan SP280472 84 ^
Lot 379 on Plan SP280472 85 ^
Lot 383 on Plan SP280472 78 ^
Lot 384 on Plan SP280472 78 ^
Lot 385 on Plan SP280472 79 ^
Lot 387 on Plan SP280472 86 ^
Lot 388 on Plan SP280472 86 ^
Lot 390 on Plan SP280472 87 ^
Lot 395 on Plan SP280472 88 ^
Lot 396 on Plan SP280472 88 ^
Lot 397 on Plan SP280472 88 ^
Lot 398 on Plan SP280472 88 ^
Lot 5 on Plan SP280472 79 ^
Lot 6 on Plan SP280472 79 ^
Lot 7 on Plan SP280472 79 ^
Lot 71 on Plan SP280472 81 ^
Lot 76 on Plan SP280472 80, 81 ^
Lot 82 on Plan SP280472 79, 80, 81 ^
Lot 83 on Plan SP280472 80 ^
Lot 86 on Plan SP280472 80 ^
Lot 1 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 10 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 11 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 12 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 13 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 14 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 15 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 16 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 17 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 18 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 19 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 2 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 20 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 21 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 22 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 23 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 24 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 25 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 26 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 27 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 28 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 3 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 4 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 5 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 6 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 7 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 8 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 9 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 901 on Plan SP280490 84 ^
Lot 56 on Plan SP282095 45
Lot 333 on Plan SP283820 50
Lot 19 on Plan SP283823 15
Lot 380 on Plan SP284168 85 ^
Lot 381 on Plan SP284168 85 ^
Lot 95 on Plan SP302001 128
Lot 401 on Plan SP303247 83 ^
Lot 402 on Plan SP303247 82, 83 ^
Lot 29 on Plan SP310061 84 ^
Lot 30 on Plan SP310061 84 ^
Lot 31 on Plan SP310061 84 ^
Lot 32 on Plan SP310061 84 ^
Lot 399 on Plan SP310061 73, 74, 76, 78, 79, 80, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88 ^
Lot 173 on Plan USL39481 143
Lot 142 on Plan USL39485 107
Lot 9 on Plan USL44872 6
Lot 6 on Plan USL44952 6
Lot 6 on Plan W53514 77
Lot 7 on Plan W53514 77
Lot 25 on Plan W53515 77
Lot 26 on Plan W53515 77
Lot 27 on Plan W53515 77
Lot 28 on Plan W53515 77
Lot 102 on Plan W6021 92
Lot 103 on Plan W6021 92
Lot 5 on Plan W6024 92
Lot 6 on Plan W6024 92
Lot 8 on Plan W6024 92
Lot 9 on Plan W6024 92
Area of new road between stations 6-7-14-15-B-C-6 shown on Plan SP302001 128 ~
Area of new road between stations 4-5-9-11-12-4 as shown on Plan SP282095 45 ~
[9]
^ denotes areas to which s 47A of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) apply
~ denotes areas to which s 24KA of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) apply
"Pt" denotes areas that are part areas as a result of the External Boundary
Part 2 - Non-Exclusive Areas
All of the land and waters described in the following table and depicted in light blue on the determination map contained in Schedule 6:
Area description (at the time of the determination) Determination Map Sheet Reference Note
Lot 1 on Plan AP11929 111
Lot 536 on Plan AP19211 73
Lot 38 on Plan AP20942 21
Lot 499 on Plan B39141 73, 92
Lot 35 on Plan BO108 67
Lot 69 on Plan BO150 62 Pt
Lot 45 on Plan BO151 62
Lot 63 on Plan BO156 62
Lot 4 on Plan BO162 60
Lot 94 on Plan BO172 63
Lot 30 on Plan BO188 70
Lot 54 on Plan BO360 69
Lot 64 on Plan BO372 61
Lot 36 on Plan BO391 67
That part of Lot 44 on Plan BO391 excluding Easements A and B on Plan BO391 67
Lot 62 on Plan BO42 65
Lot 64 on Plan BO42 62, 63
Lot 86 on Plan BO445 26
Lot 97 on Plan BO488 16
That part of Lot 93 on Plan BO511 excluding the area subject to Road between stations 60-33-70-2-3-4-6-5-64-61-60 on Plan BO48 24
Lot 42 on Plan BO546 24
Lot 20 on Plan BO66 70
Lot 63 on Plan BO98 69 Pt
Lot 117 on Plan C8278 99
Lot 53 on Plan CL6011 11
Lot 189 on Plan CL6011 11
Lot 55 on Plan CP881251 45
That part of Lot 25 on Plan CP902126 excluding the area subject to Road between stations A-B-C-D on Plan CP902126 140, 142
That part of Lot 1 on Plan CP904146 excluding the area subject to former Lot 4 on Plan CP904145 77
That part of Lot 3 on Plan CP904146 excluding the area subject to former Lot 4 on Plan CP904145 77
Lot 332 on Plan CP904165 102
Lot 349 on Plan CP904165 102
Lot 189 on Plan CSH1345 144 Pt
Lot 190 on Plan CSH1345 144 Pt
Lot 255 on Plan FTY1025 19
Lot 127 on Plan FTY1135 63, 66
That part of Lot 298 on Plan FTY1230 excluding the areas subject to: 111, 117, 118, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124 Pt
historical Portion 54 on Plan FY1560;
historical Portion 31 on Plan FY1723;
historical Portion 29 on Plan FY645; and
historical Portion 24 on Plan FY1524
Lot 546 on Plan FTY1315 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124 Pt
That part of Lot 118 on Plan FTY1342 excluding the area subject to historical Portion 53 on Plan FY901 135
Lot 138 on Plan FTY1389 112 Pt
Lot 355 on Plan FTY1408 38 Pt
Lot 612 on Plan FTY1410 111 Pt
Lot 618 on Plan FTY1626 73, 135 Pt
Lot 535 on Plan FTY1760 73, 76, 77
Lot 289 on Plan FTY1859 133, 135, 147, 148 Pt
That part of Lot 12 on Plan FTY1862 excluding the areas subject to: 73, 76, 78
[10]
That part of Lot 354 on Plan FY2456 excluding the area subject to Road between stations 6-5-4-19-20-10-6 on Plan FY444 140
Lot 171 on Plan FY2461 74
That part of Lot 213 on Plan FY2474 excluding the area subject to former Railway on Plan FY811 136
Lot 76 on Plan FY2477 133
Lot 80 on Plan FY2478 73
Lot 214 on Plan FY2479 126
Lot 134 on Plan FY2488 37
Lot 249 on Plan FY2505 137
Lot 311 on Plan FY2509 103
Lot 318 on Plan FY2516 99
Lot 320 on Plan FY2517 99
That part of Lot 178 on Plan FY2521 excluding the area defined as: the Road along the south-east boundaries of historical Portions 179 and 178 (camping and water reserve) and its continuation along the south-east boundary of historical Portion 176 for about five chains as shown on Plan FY432 100
Lot 72 on Plan FY2582 23
Lot 210 on Plan FY2586 108
Lot 498 on Plan FY2592 67
Lot 502 on Plan FY2592 67
Lot 242 on Plan FY2594 64
That part of Lot 243 on Plan FY2594 excluding the area defined as: the Road separating historical Portion 243, part of Reserve for Water (R203), from historical Portion 367v bounded on the east by a line extending from the south-eastern corner of historical Portion 243 to the north-eastern corner of historical Portion 367v as shown on Plan FY302 64
Lot 252 on Plan FY2596 76
Lot 305 on Plan FY2604 48
That part of Lot 465 on Plan FY2604 excluding the area defined as: the Road abutting the north-western boundaries of historical Portion 150 and Recreation Reserve (R276) and its continuation generally north-easterly to Barambah Creek as shown on Plan FY2452 48
Lot 212 on Plan FY2647 140
Lot 212 on Plan FY2647 142
Lot 181 on Plan FY2651 129
Lot 223 on Plan FY2704 142
Lot 225 on Plan FY2704 142
Lot 270 on Plan FY2786 40
Lot 257 on Plan FY2788 76
Lot 140 on Plan FY2789 45
Lot 91 on Plan FY2885 91
Lot 245 on Plan FY2885 91
Lot 138 on Plan FY2893 44, 45
That part of Lot 379 on Plan FY2924 excluding the areas subject to: 102
historical Portion 36v on Plan FTZ37277;
Allotments 4 and 5 of Section 5 on Plan T3624;
Allotments 4, 8 and 9 on Plan T3621; and
Allotments 3 and 12 of Section 9 on Plan T3624
Lot 94 on Plan FY2925 131
Lot 461 on Plan FY2937 76, 77
Lot 306 on Plan FY2960 103
Lot 1 on Plan FY2971 103
Lot 312 on Plan FY2971 103
Lot 100 on Plan FY383 37
Lot 65 on Plan FY400 91
Lot 66 on Plan FY401 91
Lot 191 on Plan FY416 73
Lot 94 on Plan FY421 91
Lot 131 on Plan FY424 36
Lot 116 on Plan FY480 91
Lot 124 on Plan FY480 91
Lot 346 on Plan FY489 63, 73
Lot 313 on Plan FY509 73
Lot 186 on Plan FY574 49
Lot 151 on Plan FY613 76
Lot 5 on Plan FY628 110
Lot 220 on Plan FY629 110
Lot 125 on Plan FY70 63
Lot 383 on Plan FY704 98
Lot 168 on Plan FY713 77
Lot 171 on Plan FY713 77
Lot 172 on Plan FY713 77
Lot 386 on Plan FY737 98
Lot 136 on Plan FY782 140
Lot 138 on Plan FY782 140
That part of Lot 216 on Plan FY800284 excluding the area subject to historical Portion 62 on Plan FY960 129
Lot 217 on Plan FY800284 129
That part of Lot 174 on Plan FY803924 excluding the areas subject to: 140
[11]
That part of Lot 348 on Plan SP119869 excluding the areas subject to: 142
Former Railway on Plan FY619;
Roads on Plan N231 (George Street, Appin Street and Alfred Street); and
The area subject to the Public Building Reserve bounded by Appin, George, Henry and King Streets on Plan N231
Lot 26 on Plan SP120166 140
That part of Lot 90 on Plan SP122591 excluding the areas subject to: 143
Allotments 4 - 6 of Section 3 on Plan N231;
Allotment 5 of Section 4 on Plan N231;
Roads on Plan N231 (Grey Street, Dalby Street, Henry Street and the Lane separating Allotments 1 - 5 of Section 3 from Allotments 6 - 10 of Section 3); and
Sub 2 of Pound Reserve on Plan N2328
Lot 40 on Plan SP177485 77
Lot 7 on Plan SP194339 116
Lot 2 on Plan SP199029 76
Lot 2 on Plan SP228961 97
That part of Lot 1 on Plan SP228970 excluding the areas subject to: 141
MHL19 on Plan MPH14376;
MHL36 on Plan MPH3057;
MHL39 on Plan MPH3057;
MHL41 on Plan MPH3057; and
Road between stations 31-67-64-63-31 and 16-69-A-68-62-61-70-71-16-69 on Plan SP228970
That part of Lot 2 on Plan SP228970 excluding the area subject to MHL19 on Plan MPH14376 141
That part of Lot 9 on Plan SP257249 excluding the area subject to Lot 82 on Plan USL39475 142
Lot 36 on Plan SP259716 34
Lot 41 on Plan SP259716 34
Lot 4 on Plan SP273785 76
Lot 468 on Plan SP273785 76
That part of Lot 346 on Plan SP313160 excluding the areas subject to: 143
Former Railway on Plan FY619; and
Former Lot 185 on Plan FY1534
Lot 139 on Plan SP282095 45
Lot 3 on Plan SP292286 142
Lot 5 on Plan SP292286 142
Lot 154 on Plan W53517 77
Lot 12 on Plan W53527 77
Lot 13 on Plan W53527 77
Lot 14 on Plan W53527 77
Lot 15 on Plan W53527 77
Lot 16 on Plan W53527 77
Lot 4 on Plan W53528 77
Lot 4 on Plan W53533 77
Lot 11 on Plan W53533 77
Lot 1 on Plan W53536 77
Area of new road between stations 5-6-9-5 and 11-15-16-11 shown on Plan SP282095 45 ~
An area of new road between stations 17-18-19-19b-31-30-17a-17 on Plan SP280490 84 ~
An area of new road between stations 38-39-50-51-51a-52-53-38 on Plan SP280472 80 ~
An area of new road between stations 62-116-115a-115-102-101-62 on Plan SP280472 80, 81 ~
An area of new road between stations 290-291-292-293-294-295-296-290 on Plan SP280472 86 ~
An area of new road between stations 80-148-162-87-86-84-83-82-80 on Plan SP280472 81 ~
An area of new road between stations 716-379a-378a-377a-376a-375a-374a-373a-399a-398a-397a-397-398-399-373-374-375-376-377-378-379-715-716 on Plan SP280472 88 ~
An area of new road between stations 728-366-366a-382-381-380-365-727-728 on Plan SP280472 88 ~
An area of new road as shown on Plan SP245342, including: 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88 ~
Cherbourg Rd;
Stan Mickelo Dr;
Wondai Rd;
Lookout Rd;
Murray Rd;
Barambah Ave;
Jerome St;
Ada Simpson Way;
Vincent Law Senior Way;
Bligh Street;
Fisher Street
Oak Avenue
Alan Douglas Avenue
Carter St
Mill Ave
Hillview St
Beattie St
Marshall St
Bell St
Broadway St
Bond St
Cobbo St
Collins Rd
Bulgi St
Cemetery Rd
Fisher St
Barber St
Save for any waters forming part of a lot on plan, all rivers, creeks, streams, and lakes within the External Boundary described in Schedule 3, including but not limited to:
Alma Creek;
Back Creek;
Ballyhew Creek;
Bangora Creek;
Barambah Creek;
Barker Creek;
Boogoorootommy Creek;
Boonara Creek;
Boyne River;
Broad Creek;
Burnett River;
Campbell Creek;
Cloyna Creek;
Dadamarine Creek;
Dangora Creek;
Dingo Creek;
Dinner Creek;
Geer Creek;
Goonaloom Creek;
Frickey Creek;
Home Creek;
Horse Gully
Jones Creek;
Lawsons Broad Creek;
Little Wengen Creek;
Meandu Creek;
Malar Creek;
Mannuem Creek;
Mare Creek;
Middle Creek;
Moonda Waamba Creek;
Mortimer Creek;
Murgon Creek;
Nangur Creek;
Oaky Creek;
Piggotts Plain Creek;
Planted Creek;
Redbank Creek;
Reedy Creek;
Sandy Creek;
Small Creek
Spring Creek;
Stuart River;
Sunday Creek;
Tanduringie Creek;
Tankallaman Creek;
The Broadwater;
Trinity Creek;
Unnamed creek internal to Lot 9 on Plan SP207434;
Unnamed creek abutting Barambah Creek and the western boundary of Lot 28 on Plan CP890679;
Unnamed creek abutting Broad Creek and the northern boundary of Lot 45 on Plan BO151;
Unnamed creek abutting the eastern boundary of Lot 165 on Plan FY2920;
Unnamed drains abutting the southern boundaries of Lot 29 on Plan FY2946;
Unnamed lagoon bounded by Lot 2 on Plan SP263404 and Lot 2 on Plan CP868817;
Unnamed lagoon bounded by Goomeri West Road, Lot 138 on Plan FY2893, Lot 64 on Plan FY919 and Lot 140 on Plan FY2789;
Unnamed waterhole bounded by Lot 40 on Plan FY618 and Sippels Road;
Washpool Creek;
Wengen Creek;
Wheelbarrow Creek;
Wigton Creek;
Windera Creek;
Woroon Creek; and
Yellow Waterhole Creek.
[12]
~ denotes areas to which s 24KA of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) apply
"Pt" denotes areas that are part areas as a result of the External Boundary
Data Reference and source
Cadastral data sourced from Department of Resources, Qld (September 2021)
Reference datum
Geographical coordinates are referenced to the Geocentric Datum of Australia 2020 (GDA2020), in decimal degrees.
Prepared by the Department of Resources (13 October 2021).
Use of Coordinates
Where coordinates are used within the description to represent cadastral or topographical boundaries or the intersection with such, they are intended as a guide only. As an outcome to the custodians of cadastral and topographic data continuously recalculating the geographic position of their data based on improved survey and data maintenance procedures, it is not possible to accurately define such a position other than by detailed ground survey.
SCHEDULE 5
AREAS NOT FORMING PART OF THE DETERMINATION AREA
The following areas of land and waters are excluded from the Determination Area as described in Part 1 of Schedule 4 and Part 2 of Schedule 4:
Those land and waters within the External Boundary which at the time the native title determination application was made were the subject of one or more Previous Exclusive Possession Acts, within the meaning of s 23B of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) as they could not be claimed in accordance with s 61A of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).
Specifically, and to avoid any doubt, the land and waters described in (1) above includes:
(a) the Previous Exclusive Possession Acts described in ss 23B(2) and 23B(3) of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) to which s 20 of the Native Title (Queensland) Act 1993 (Qld) applies, and to which none of ss 47, 47A, 47B or 47C of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) applied; and
(b) the land and waters on which any public work, as defined in s 253 of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), is or was constructed, established or situated, and to which ss 23B(7) and 23C(2) of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) and to which s 21 of the Native Title (Queensland) Act 1993 (Qld), applies, together with any adjacent land or waters in accordance with s 251D of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).
Those land and waters within the External Boundary on which, at the time the native title determination application was made, public works were validly constructed, established or situated after 23 December 1996, where s 24JA of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) applies, and which wholly extinguished native title.
Those land and waters within the External Boundary which, at the time the native title determination application was made, were the subject of one or more Pre-existing Rights Based Acts, within the meaning of s 24IB of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), which wholly extinguished native title.
SCHEDULE 6
MAP OF DETERMINATION AREA
Note: Entry of orders is dealt with in Rule 39.32 of the Federal Court Rules 2011.
[13]
REASONS FOR JUDGMENT
The Native Title Act [5]
The application [11]
The agreement reached between the parties [26]
Prescribed Body Corporate [34]
Conclusion [38]
[14]
RANGIAH J:
1 The applicant seeks a determination of native title pursuant to ss 61 and 225 of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (the Act) on behalf of the Wakka Wakka People (the Wakka Wakka People #3 claim).
2 The claim is for the determination of native title over the lands and waters in the central and southern regions of the Burnett River catchment.
3 The Wakka Wakka People #3 claim has been administratively partitioned into three parts: Part A, Part B and Part C. Part A covers the Wakka Wakka People #3 claim area except for Lot 44 on BO391, Lot 35 on BO108 and Lot 36 on BO391. Part B comprises the balance of the claim area, being Lot 44 on BO391, Lot 35 on BO108 and Lot 36 on BO391.
4 The parties have indicated their consent to a determination that the Wakka Wakka People are the holders of the native title in the area covered by Part A and Part B of the claim area.
5 The court is satisfied, for the reasons below, that it is within the power of the Court to make the orders sought, and that it is appropriate to do so.
6 There will also be a determination of native title in respect of Part A of the adjoining Wakka Wakka People #4 claim. The area covered by that claim is to the north of the Wakka Wakka People #3 claim.
[15]
The Native Title Act
7 The preamble to the Act recognises, on behalf of all people of Australia, that the Aboriginal peoples of Australia inhabited the country prior to European settlement and that the Aboriginal peoples were progressively dispossessed of their lands. It records that the Constitution was amended, by the overwhelming vote of the people of Australia, to enable laws such as the Act to be passed and to facilitate recognition by our shared legal system of native title rights and interests.
8 Section 3 of the Act outlines the main objects of the Act as being: to protect and recognise native title, to establish ways in which future dealings affecting native title may proceed and to set the standard for those dealings, to establish a mechanism for determining claims to native title and to provide for, or permit, the validation of past acts, and intermediate period acts, invalidated because of the existence of native title.
9 Section 87A of the Act provides a mechanism for achieving a key objective of the Act, the resolution of claims for native title by agreement. The agreement of the parties to the terms of the proposed orders is consistent with that objective.
10 Section 61 of the Act provides that an application for a determination of native title may be made by a person or persons authorised by all the persons who, according to their traditional laws and customs, hold the common or group rights and interests comprising the particular native title claimed.
11 Native title is defined in s 223(1) of the Act as follows:
Common law rights and interests
(1) The expression native title or native title rights and interests means the communal, group or individual rights and interests of Aboriginal peoples or Torres Strait Islanders in relation to land or waters, where:
(a) the rights and interests are possessed under the traditional laws acknowledged, and the traditional customs observed, by the Aboriginal peoples or Torres Strait Islanders; and
(b) the Aboriginal peoples or Torres Strait Islanders, by those laws and customs, have a connection with the land or waters; and
(c) the rights and interests are recognised by the common law of Australia.
12 Section 225 of the Act describes what is meant by a "determination of native title":
A determination of native title is a determination whether or not native title exists in relation to a particular area (the determination area) of land or waters and, if it does exist, a determination of:
(a) who the persons, or each group of persons, holding the common or group rights comprising the native title are; and
(b) the nature and extent of the native title rights and interests in relation to the determination area; and
(c) the nature and extent of any other interests in relation to the determination area; and
(d) the relationship between the rights and interests in paragraphs (b) and (c) (taking into account the effect of this Act); and
(e) to the extent that the land or waters in the determination area are not covered by a non exclusive agricultural lease or a non exclusive pastoral lease - whether the native title rights and interests confer possession, occupation, use and enjoyment of that land or waters on the native title holders to the exclusion of all others.
…
[16]
The application
13 The application for a determination of native title was filed in the Federal Court on 12 December 2011. On 10 February 2012, the Wakka Wakka People #5 claim was filed in the Federal Court, in respect of the claim area east of, and immediately adjacent to, the area of the Wakka Wakka People #3 claim. On 21 March 2016, the Court made orders that the applications be combined pursuant to s 64(2) of the Act, and further ordered that the combined application be named Florence Bell and others on behalf of the Wakka Wakka People #3. The re-engrossed Wakka Wakka People #3 application was filed in the Federal Court on 29 April 2016.
14 The Wakka Wakka People #3 application has subsequently undergone a series of amendments. On 12 February 2019, the Wakka Wakka People #3 claim was administratively partitioned into Part A and Part B.
15 On 28 November 2019, in Bell on behalf of the Wakka Wakka People #3 v State of Queensland [2019] FCA 2005, with respect to three parcels of land in dispute in the Part B area, I found that native title was extinguished over the part of Lot 44 comprising areas of pipeline easements on BO391 by a previous exclusive possession act within the meaning of s 23B of the Act. I also found that native title was not otherwise extinguished by any previous exclusive possession act within the meaning of s 23B of the Act over any part of Lot 44 on BO391, Lot 35 on BO108 or Lot 36 on BO391.
16 On 1 November 2021, I ordered that the Wakka Wakka People #3 application be further administratively partitioned to create Wakka Wakka People #3 Part C, which comprises areas the subject of Crown-to-Crown grants which are the subject of further negotiations between the applicant and the State.
17 The parties have now indicated their consent to a determination of Part A and Part B of the Wakka Wakka People #3 claim. The application seeks determination of native title on behalf of the Wakka Wakka People over land and waters within the determination area.
18 The persons comprising the applicant are: Florence Bell, Michael Bond (Snr), Patricia Bond, James Chapman, Gary Cobbo, Marissa Cobbo, Shane Dynevor (Jnr), Robert Lacey, Edwin James MiMi, Stephen Pickering, Carl Simpson, Irene Simpson, Cheryl Smith, Sidney Smith, Katrina Watson and Robert West.
19 The respondents to the application are: the State of Queensland, Gympie Regional Council, North Burnett Regional Council, South Burnett Regional Council, Ergon Energy Corporation Limited, Sunwater Limited, Telstra Corporation Limited, Stanwell Corporation Limited, TEC Coal Pty Ltd, Allan John Elsebach, Desmond Roy McCallum, MG Shultz Enterprise Pty Ltd, Mirrimbeena Holdings Pty Ltd, Perrett Grazing Company Pty Ltd and Gary Neil Wharton.
20 All parties to the application have reached agreement that native title exists in Parts A and B of the claim area and as to the nature and extent of those native title rights and interests. That agreement, made under s 87A(1)(b) of the Act, was filed in the Federal Court on 28 February 2022.
21 The evidence of connection filed by the applicant primarily includes claimant evidence in the form of affidavits and witness statements; and two expert reports prepared by anthropologist Dr Kingsley Palmer.
22 The evidence of members of the native title claim group about their traditional laws and customs and rights and responsibilities in respect to land and waters is of the highest importance: Sampi v Western Australia [2005] FCA 777 at [48]. The claimant evidence of connection is comprised of 22 affidavits or witness statements of the following persons:
(a) Statement of Patricia Dawn Bond dated 10 August 2016
(b) Statement of Robert George Lacey dated 2 September 2016
(c) Statement of Loretta May Chapman dated 25 July 2016
(d) Statement of Yvonne Frances Chapman dated 26 July 2016
(e) Statement of Clem Michael Shadford dated 30 September 2016
(f) Statement of Robert West dated 1 September 2016
(g) Statement of Glenys Fredericksen dated 5 October 2016
(h) Statement of Margaret Kay MiMi dated 3 July 2016
(i) Statement of Rodney Samuel Hill dated 2 July 2016
(j) Affidavit of Selina Hill dated 14 March 2015
(k) Statement of John Wragge dated 18 August 2016
(l) Statement of Robert Alan Bond dated 6 August 2016
(m) Statement of Lance Bligh dated 27 September 2016
(n) Statement of Cynthia Button dated 9 August 2016
(o) Statement of William (Billy) Button dated 9 August 2016
(p) Affidavit of Thomas Daniels dated 30 April 2014
(q) Affidavit of Fred Cobbo dated 28 March 2014
(r) Affidavit of Beryl Gambrill (dec) dated 16 June 2012
(s) Statement of Arnold Murray dated 16 September 2016
(t) Statement of Terry Willmot Snr dated 19 August 2016
(u) Statement of Edward MiMi dated 15 February 2019
(v) Statement of Melissa Bond dated 3 February 2019.
23 The applicant also relies on the following reports prepared by Dr Kingsley Palmer:
(a) Wakka Wakka Native Title Application QUD6032/1999 QC 99/33 - Anthropologist's Report (March 2010) ('Connection Report'); and
(b) Wakka Wakka People #4 QUD91/2012 and Wakka Wakka People #5 QUD93/2012 Native Title Applications - Anthropologist's Responsive Report (May 2014) ('Supplementary Connection Report').
24 The applicant's connection material also includes a genealogical report prepared by Anthony Eales, a Research Officer at QSNTS: Wakka Wakka People #4 QUD91/2012 and Wakka Wakka People #5 QUD93/2012 Native Title Applications - Genealogies (May 2014).
25 In the Connection Report, Dr Palmer considers at paragraph [413] there to be, "a substantial continuity of law and custom" that, "can reasonably be supposed to extend back to the time of sovereignty within the application area". Dr Palmer also concludes at paragraph [319]:
Wakka Wakka society, as it is observable today is based upon and is rooted in a customary system which is likely to have been in operation at the time of sovereignty.
26 Dr Palmer observes that the Wakka Wakka People have continued to observe customary ritual practices, which have been handed down to the present generation by their forebears, including with respect to totemic and spiritual beliefs, sites, bush tucker, dispute resolution and decision making, as well as a common understanding that members of the Wakka Wakka society shared a common language style.
27 Dr Palmer concludes that there is a substantial continuity of the laws and customs that have been observed and practiced by Wakka Wakka People that can reasonably be supposed to extend back to the time of sovereignty within the claim area.
28 The Wakka Wakka People are the descendants of the following persons:
(a) Jenny Carlo and David Carlo (parents of Princess Carlo);
(b) Minnie Bly (mother of Thomas Simpson), Ethel and Bill Button (father of Ethel Button);
(c) Mother of Maggie Hart (Grandmother of Crabbie Chapman and Henry Hart);
(d) Mother of Willie Boy Pickering;
(e) King Billy and Maria of Boondooma (parents of Tommy Dodd of Taabinga);
(f) Maggie West;
(g) Kitty of Boonara;
(h) MiMi;
(i) Kitty (mother of Jack Bulong);
(j) John Bond;
(k) Kitty (mother of Jenny Lind), Jenny Lind and Mick Buck;
(l) Boubijan Cobbo;
(m) Stockman Bligh and Aggie Bligh;
(n) Tommy (aka Boondoon) and Maggie (parents of Willie Bone), Billy McKenzie (father of Chlorine McKenzie), Chlorine McKenzie;
(o) Kate/Katie/Kitty Law;
(p) Emily of Degilbo (mother of Annie);
(q) Taabinga Harry.
29 The evidence filed, including Dr Palmer's anthropological reports and the witness statements and affidavits provided by the claimants, provides cogent evidence of the continuity of the traditional laws and custom of the Wakka Wakka People from before the time of sovereignty to the present time. The evidence supports the claim that the traditional laws acknowledged and the traditional customs observed give the Wakka Wakka People the right to possess, occupy, use and enjoy land and waters in the claim area.
[17]
The agreement reached between the parties
30 Section 87A(4) of the Act gives the Court the power to make an order consistent with the terms of a proposed determination of native title agreed between the parties to the proceeding without holding a hearing in relation to the application if the Court considers that:
(a) an order in, or consistent with the terms of the proposed determination would be within its power; and
(b) it would be appropriate to do so.
31 The conditions under s 87A of the Act that enable the Court to make the determination without a hearing are:
There is a proceeding in relation to an application for a determination of native title: s 87A(1)(a);
At any stage of the proceeding after the end of the period specified in the notice given under s 66 of the Act, agreement is reached on a proposed determination of native title in relation to an area that is part of, but not all of, the area covered by the application: s 87A(1)(b);
Certain persons are parties to the agreement: s 87A(1)(c)
The terms of the proposed determination are in writing and signed by or on behalf of those parties: s 87A(1)(d);
The court is satisfied that an order in, or consistent with, the terms of the proposed determination, would be within its power and the court considers it appropriate to make the orders sought: s 87A(4).
32 In considering whether it is appropriate to make the orders sought, the Court's role is confined to considering the evidence filed for the purpose of determining whether the parties have entered into an agreement that has been freely made on an informed basis: Nangkiriny (on behalf of the Karajarri People) v State of Western Australia (2002) 117 FCR 6 at [14]. The Court is not required to make a judicial determination of the merits of the claim: Button (on behalf of the Koa People) v State of Queensland [2021] FCA 1190. In considering the appropriateness of the orders, the court is directed to consider whether the parties to the agreement have acted rationally and in good faith: Munn (for and on behalf of the Gunggari People) v State of Queensland (2001) 115 FCR 109 at [30].
33 The Court must also be satisfied that the State, which bears the responsibility for ensuring that the interests of the community are protected, "has taken a real interest in the proceeding".
34 The Court is satisfied that the parties to the s 87A agreement have entered into the agreement freely on an informed basis and have acted in good faith. The State of Queensland is satisfied that the claim group is an appropriate one to be recognised as holders of native title rights and interests, that it is appropriate to recognise the rights and interests proposed and that it is appropriate for the State to enter into the determination. I am satisfied that the State has taken a "real interest" in the proceeding on behalf of the broader community, demonstrated in particular by the steps taken by the State to thoroughly review the applicant's evidence and request such further evidence as it considered was required.
35 The requirements of the Act have been satisfied:
There is a proceeding in relation to an application for a determination of native title: s 87A(1)(a).
The period for notification of the application under s 66 of the Act has ended, and the parties to the proposed determination have recorded their agreement as to the terms of a determination of native title in relation to Part A and Part B of the application area: s 87A(1)(b) and (c).
The parties to the proposed determination have recorded their agreement in a signed Minute of Consent: s 87A(1)(d).
An order in terms of the Minute or consistent with the Minute would be within the Court's power because:
The application has been made in accordance with s 61 of the Act;
The application is for a determination of native title in relation to an area for which there are no other approved determinations of native title: s 13(1)(a); and
the Minute agreed to by the parties complies with ss 94A and 225 of the Act: s 87A(4).
36 In addition, it is appropriate for the Court to make the orders sought because:
(1) The parties have freely entered into the agreement on an informed basis, having had the opportunity to consider and assess the evidence relied upon by the applicant.
(2) The parties have agreed as to the nature and extent of rights and interests, and the proposed determination is unambiguous and certain as to the rights and interests declared.
(3) There are no proceedings before the Court relating to native title determination applications that cover any part of the area that is the subject of this application
(4) The State has played an active role in the negotiation of the determination, and in doing so, has taken an interest in the proceeding on behalf of the community and has given appropriate consideration to the connection material.
37 The terms of the proposed determination also satisfy the requirements of s 225 of the Act.
[18]
Prescribed Body Corporate
38 Section 55 of the Act relevantly provides that if the Federal Court proposes to make an approved determination of native title, and the determination is that native title exists at the time of making the determination, the Federal Court must, at the same time or as soon as practicable after it makes the determination, make a determination under ss 56 and 57 of the Act.
39 Section 56(1) of the Act requires that the Court must determine whether the native title is to be held on trust, and if so, by whom. The applicant has consented to orders determining that the native title is to be held in trust. The applicant seeks orders that the Wakka Wakka Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (ICN: 8903) is to be the prescribed body corporate for the purposes of s 56(2)(b) and 56(3) of the Act. The applicant relies on the eighth affidavit of Phoebe Frederick which annexures a copy of a letter from Patricia Bond, a Wakka Wakka person and a member of the applicant claim group, formally nominating the Wakka Wakka Native Title Aboriginal Corporation as the prescribed body corporate.
40 I am satisfied that the Wakka Wakka Native Title Aboriginal Corporation is a prescribed body corporate within reg 4 of the Native Title (Prescribed Bodies Corporate) Regulations 1999 (Cth).
41 It is appropriate to determine that the Wakka Wakka Native Title Aboriginal Corporation is to be the prescribed body corporate for the purpose of s 57 of the Act and perform the functions prescribed in s 57(3) of the Act.
[19]
Conclusion
42 The Court will make orders in accordance with the orders agreed by the parties.
I certify that the preceding forty-two (42) numbered paragraphs are a true copy of the Reasons for Judgment of the Honourable Justice Rangiah.
[20]
SCHEDULE OF PARTIES
QUD 276 of 2019
Respondents
Fourth Respondent: SOUTH BURNETT REGIONAL COUNCIL
Fifth Respondent: ERGON ENERGY CORPORATION LIMITED (ACN 087 646 062)
Sixth Respondent: SUNWATER LIMITED
Seventh Respondent: TELSTRA CORPORATION LIMITED (ACN 33 051 775 556)
Eighth Respondent: STANWELL CORPORATION LIMITED (ABN 37 078 848 674)
Ninth Respondent: TEC COAL PTY LTD (ABN 55 119 063 900)
Tenth Respondent: ALLAN JOHN ELSEBACH
Eleventh Respondent: DESMOND ROY MCCALLUM
Twelfth Respondent: MG SHULTZ ENTERPRISE PTY LTD
Thirteenth Respondent: MIRRIMBEENA HOLDINGS PTY LTD
Fourteenth Respondent: PERRETT GRAZING COMPANY PTY LTD
Fifteenth Respondent: GARY NEIL WHARTON
Parties
Applicant/Plaintiff:
Bell on behalf of the Wakka Wakka People #3
Respondent/Defendant:
State of Queensland
Legislation Cited (29)
Land Act 1962(Qld)
(Cth), the Telecommunications Act 1975(Cth)
(Cth), the Australian Telecommunications Corporation Act 1989(Cth)
Road between stations 8-8b-1a-1-8 and 2-2b-1b-1-2 on Plan FTZ37413; and Road separating Portion 3v from Portion 4v on Plan FTZ37150
Lot 673 on Plan FTY1931 111 Pt
Lot 254 on Plan FTY1956 19
Lot 466 on Plan FTY576 145 Pt
Lot 146 on Plan FTY673 19, 24, 63
Lot 210 on Plan FTY702 19
Lot 95 on Plan FTY751 1 Pt
Lot 117 on Plan FTY88 125
Lot 639 on Plan FTY902 111, 114, 119
Lot 220 on Plan FTY998 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 17, 19 Pt
Lot 260 on Plan FTZ37138 137
Lot 95 on Plan FTZ37178 99
Lot 246 on Plan FTZ37297 106
Lot 261 on Plan FTZ37351 138
Lot 189 on Plan FTZ37370 105
Lot 448 on Plan FTZ37378 101
Lot 449 on Plan FTZ37378 101
Lot 300 on Plan FY1057 47
Lot 3 on Plan FY106 109
Lot 181 on Plan FY1092 103
Lot 182 on Plan FY1092 103
Lot 213 on Plan FY1137 77
Lot 164 on Plan FY124 133
Lot 248 on Plan FY127 73
Lot 218 on Plan FY1278 77
Lot 103 on Plan FY1294 100
Lot 198 on Plan FY1317 72
Lot 63 on Plan FY1391 42
Lot 68 on Plan FY1530 27
Lot 184 on Plan FY1534 143
Lot 264 on Plan FY1544 39
Lot 265 on Plan FY1553 42
Lot 9 on Plan FY1555 111
Lot 27 on Plan FY1559 111
Lot 34 on Plan FY1583 90
Lot 191 on Plan FY1592 142, 143
Lot 184 on Plan FY1595 129
Lot 192 on Plan FY1629 142
Lot 254 on Plan FY1690 138
Lot 456 on Plan FY1722 92
Lot 280 on Plan FY1733 39
Lot 281 on Plan FY1733 39
Lot 296 on Plan FY175 95
Lot 310 on Plan FY175 95
Lot 27 on Plan FY176 92
Lot 198 on Plan FY1776 140
Lot 469 on Plan FY1805 76
Lot 99 on Plan FY1847 37
Lot 227 on Plan FY1863 40
Lot 123 on Plan FY1874 37
Lot 234 on Plan FY1878 77
Lot 249 on Plan FY1920 76, 77
That part of Lot 200 on Plan FY2026 excluding the area subject to Road between stations 4-4a-6a-6 on Plan FY2026 140
Lot 396 on Plan FY2057 71
Lot 10 on Plan FY2074 111
That part of Lot 222 on Plan FY2077 excluding the areas subject to: 76
historical Portion 253 on Plan FY1327; and
historical Portion 222 on Plan FY613
Lot 316 on Plan FY2096 105
Lot 62 on Plan FY2099 140
That part of Lot 224 on Plan FY2135 excluding the area subject to historical Portion 226 on Plan FY1483 76, 77
Lot 261 on Plan FY2165 39
Lot 211 on Plan FY2189 72
Lot 99 on Plan FY2233 102
Lot 7 on Plan FY2239 148
That part of Lot 251 on Plan FY2262 excluding the area of Road separating Portions 88 and 125 from Portion 208 on Plan FY939 91
Lot 152 on Plan FY2271 42
Lot 329 on Plan FY2273 42
Lot 86 on Plan FY2320 112
Lot 70 on Plan FY2388 130
Lot 81 on Plan FY2393 94, 111
Lot 352 on Plan FY2428 140, 142
That part of Lot 208 on Plan FY2435 excluding the areas subject to: 104
Lot 221 on Plan FY698; and
Road between stations 4-10-11-12-3 on Plan FY2435
Lot 85 on Plan FY2438 76
Lot 347 on Plan FY2445 142
That part of Lot 210 on Plan FY2451 excluding the areas subject to: 136
Former Railway on Plan FY811; and
Road on Plan G6891 south of a line drawn between coordinates:
Longitude° East Latitude° South
151.812936 26.670130
151.816200 26.670581
historical Portion 267 on Plan FY444;
Road between stations 1-2-4-5-1 on Plan FY2698; and
Road between stations 6-5-4-19-20-10-6 on Plan FY444
That part of Lot 301 on Plan FY809053 excluding the areas subject to: 76, 77
Road between stations A-B-C-F shown on Plan FY809053; and
Former Railway on Plan LX21
That part of Lot 156 on Plan FY809991 excluding the area subject to Road between stations 8-4-5-10-16-A and stations E-18-17-B on Plan FY2591 76, 77
Lot 399 on Plan FY814534 72
Lot 400 on Plan FY814534 72
That part of Lot 214 on Plan FY815430 excluding the area subject to Road between stations C-D-E-F on Plan FY815430 108
Lot 5 on Plan FY834 39
Lot 175 on Plan FY838341 140
That part of Lot 467 on Plan FY838992 excluding the areas subject to: 68
historical Portion 70v on Plan FTZ37342;
historical Portion 67v on Plan FTZ37342;
historical Portion 398 on Plan FY805;
historical Portion 397 on Plan FY805;
historical Portion 403 on Plan FY805;
historical Portion 327 on Plan FY490;
historical Portion 69v on Plan FTZ37342; and
Road separating Portion 62v from Portion 70v on Plan FTZ37342
Lot 2 on Plan FY841436 77
Lot 59 on Plan FY843 45
Lot 248 on Plan FY843838 77
Lot 133 on Plan FY845 36
Lot 195 on Plan K62310
Lot 3 on Plan K62315 129
That part of Lot 14 on Plan K62319 excluding the area subject to Allotment 7 of Section 3 on Plan K6232 129
Lot 512 on Plan K6232 129
Lot 2 on Plan K6233 129
Lot 1 on Plan K6237 129
Lot 185 on Plan MZ1003 11
Lot 186 on Plan MZ1004 11
Lot 9 on Plan MZ1043 4
Lot 108 on Plan MZ1067 4
Lot 343 on Plan MZ1068 19
Lot 342 on Plan MZ1078 4
Lot 134 on Plan MZ1128 20
Lot 13 on Plan MZ1175 19
Lot 124 on Plan MZ397 10
Lot 13 on Plan MZ416 14
Lot 133 on Plan MZ461 11
Lot 189 on Plan MZ461 11
Lot 166 on Plan MZ496 13
Lot 38 on Plan MZ501 23
Lot 20 on Plan MZ528 58
Lot 55 on Plan MZ54 53
Lot 13 on Plan MZ547 13
Lot 14 on Plan MZ557 19
Lot 78 on Plan MZ576 31
Lot 35 on Plan MZ579 34
Lot 65 on Plan MZ635 36
Lot 188 on Plan MZ644 10
Lot 8 on Plan MZ673 23
Lot 177 on Plan MZ818 11
Lot 178 on Plan MZ818 11
Lot 74 on Plan MZ826 31
Lot 46 on Plan MZ841437 9
Lot 131 on Plan MZ962 20
Lot 387 on Plan N2320 142
Lot 388 on Plan N2320 142
Lot 389 on Plan N2320 142
Lot 390 on Plan N2320 142
Lot 391 on Plan N2320 142
Lot 2 on Plan N2339 143
Lot 5 on Plan N2339 143
Lot 2 on Plan N2349 142
Lot 4 on Plan N2359 142
Lot 11 on Plan N2366 142
Lot 2 on Plan N25396 138
Lot 1 on Plan NPW1142 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124 Pt
Lot 1020 on Plan NPW1143 111, 114, 115,118 Pt
That part of Lot 517 on Plan NPW590 excluding the area subject to part of historical Portion 37 on Plan FY607 41
Lot 185 on Plan NPW723 9, 29
Lot 186 on Plan NPW731 19
Lot 50 on Plan NPW734 9, 12 Pt
Lot 190 on Plan NPW742 73, 93
Lot 168 on Plan NPW764 53, 55, 56, 57 Pt
Lot 52 on Plan NPW773 9, 29, 52, 53, 54 Pt
Lot 183 on Plan NPW803 29
Lot 565 on Plan NPW850 111
Lot 100 on Plan NPW851 135, 148
Lot 48 on Plan NPW873 125, 132, 133 Pt
Lot 162 on Plan NPW873 132, 133
Lot 411 on Plan OL283 12 Pt
Lot 250 on Plan SP103905 76
Lot 310 on Plan SP104316 103
That part of Lot 211 on Plan SP117049 excluding an area of closed Road bounded by the following coordinates: 108
Longitude° East Latitude° South
151.936688 26.637557
151.937453 26.637350
151.938708 26.637219
151.939809 26.637523
151.939835 26.637716
151.938726 26.637409
151.937470 26.637540
151.936493 26.637805