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[2019] FCA 1402
Federal Court of Australia
2019-09-02
Rangiah J
Original judgment source is linked above.
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 87 of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth). BY CONSENT THE COURT ORDERS THAT:
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). THE COURT DETERMINES THAT: 14. The native title is held in trust. 15. The Gunggari Native Title Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (ICN:7725), 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. SCHEDULE 1 NATIVE TITLE HOLDERS
Then northerly to a point on the Balonne-Condamine River Basin Catchment at Longitude 147.274511° East, Latitude 25.912585° South; then generally northerly and generally north-easterly along boundaries of that catchment, being the ridgeline of the Chesterton Range to Latitude 25.405506° South; then north-easterly to the southernmost south-eastern corner of Lot 4234 on SP271523 (Mount Brandon Holding); then generally northerly along eastern boundaries of that lot, and generally north-easterly along south-eastern and eastern boundaries of Lot 6 on CHS25 (Mount Tabor Holding) to its intersection with the northern boundary of Maranoa Regional Council; then generally north-easterly along boundaries of that regional council, again being boundaries of the Balonne-Condamine River Basin Catchment, and ridgelines of the Chesterton Range to its intersection with the south-western external boundary of Native Title Determination QUD216/2008 Bidjara People, then generally south-easterly along external boundaries of that determination to northernmost north-western corner of Lot 5317 on WT805970, further described as: generally south-easterly along boundaries of the Maranoa Regional Council, again being boundaries of the Balonne-Condamine River Basin Catchment, and ridgelines of the Carnarvon Range to the northernmost north-western corner of Lot 5317 on WT805970. Then generally south-easterly, and generally southerly along eastern boundaries of Lot 2 on WAR16, Lot 6 on WAR24, Lot 3480 on WAR805968 and Lot 7 on WAR32 to Latitude 25.445444° South; again being boundaries of the Balonne-Condamine River Basin Catchment; then generally southerly again along boundaries of that catchment to Latitude 26.070781° South; then generally south-easterly passing through the following coordinate points: Longitude ° East Latitude ° South 148.27557 26.072094 148.27828 26.076882 148.27984 26.081101 148.28141 26.085662 148.2845 26.090449 148.2886 26.094093 148.29177 26.096276
Then south-easterly to the northernmost corner of Lot 19 on WV731, a point on the southern boundary of an unnamed road; then generally south-easterly along boundaries of that road to its intersection with the western external boundary of Native Title Determination QUD366/2008 Mandandanji People; then generally southerly along external boundaries of that determination to Latitude 26.304873° South, a point on the external boundary of Native Title Determination QUD548/2012 Gunggari People #3 further described as: Generally southerly passing through the following coordinate points: Longitude ° East Latitude ° South 148.341748 26.117318 148.340634 26.119121 148.338386 26.129721 148.338337 26.141570 148.337840 26.155050 148.337761 26.174257 148.329592 26.229330 148.327783 26.239934 148.325539 26.248898 148.325477 26.263201 148.325414 26.277912 148.326229 26.293860
Then southerly to a point on the external boundary of Native Title Determination QUD548/2012 Gunggari People #3 at Longitude 143.326183° East, Latitude 26.304873° South. Then generally south-westerly and westerly along external boundaries of that determination to its intersection with the external boundary of Native Title Determination Application QUD6027/2001 Gunggari People #2, a point the western bank of the Maranoa River at Latitude 26.772304° South, further described as: Generally south-westerly passing through the following coordinate points: Longitude ° East Latitude ° South 148.318506 26.315752 148.324729 26.340774 148.304238 26.373878 148.288114 26.398380 148.272720 26.422215 148.250696 26.454002 148.236836 26.483762 148.220772 26.517489 148.201601 26.539359 148.191713 26.550509 148.191746 26.550538 148.191738 26.550735 148.191867 26.551070 148.191872 26.551105 148.191923 26.551477 148.191992 26.551686 148.192006 26.551727 148.192111 26.551994 148.192120 26.552041 148.192166 26.552277
Then southerly to the eastern bank of Amby Creek at Latitude 26.552557° South; then generally south-westerly along eastern banks of that creek to the eastern bank of the Maranoa River; then westerly to the western bank of that river at Latitude 26.772304° South. Then generally, westerly along northern external boundaries of Native Title Determination Application QUD6027/2001 Gunggari People #2 back to the commencement point, further described as: Generally westerly passing through the following coordinate points Longitude ° East Latitude ° South 148.006878 26.769090 147.954436 26.769090 147.913933 26.776704 147.883320 26.774865 147.848699 26.763760 147.814591 26.757668 147.771835 26.750109 147.706820 26.746289 147.688863 26.741045 147.641793 26.739140 147.599197 26.735235 147.570049 26.731307 147.536403 26.722099 147.506495 26.712881 147.431814 26.712892 147.360119 26.712864 147.270501 26.712777 147.221212 26.712705 147.163707 26.712598 147.115911 26.709853 147.065129 26.707742 147.004638 26.709540 146.961324 26.709393 146.921729 26.717821 146.876685 26.736182
Then south-westerly back to the commencement point. Exclusions To avoid any doubt the determination area does not include any land or waters subject to the following: • Lot 6 on CHS25 (Mount Tabor Holding); • Lot 4 on CHS26; • QUD6027/2001 Gunggari People #2 as determined by the Federal Court (22 June 2012); • QUD216/2008 Bidjara People as determined by the Federal Court (21 February 2014); • QUD245/2011 Brown River People as determined by the Federal Court (21 February 2014); • QUD301/2012 Brown River People #2 as determined by the Federal Court (21 February 2014); • QUD23/2006 Karingbal People #2 as determined by the Federal Court (21 February 2014); • QUD310/2012 Karingbal People #3 as determined by the Federal Court (21 February 2014); • QUD548/2012 Gunggari People #3 as determined by the Federal Court (5 December 2014); and • QUD366/2008 Mandandanji People as determined by the Federal Court (7 March 2018). Data Reference and Source • Boundary compiled by QSNTS based in part on spatial data sourced from Commonwealth of Australia, NNTT (October 2018). • Cadastral data sourced from State of Queensland, Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy (October 2018). • Ridgelines and - basin catchments where possible referenced to cadastral data. • Basin Catchment data sourced from State of Queensland, Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy (January 2009). Reference Datum Geographical coordinates are referenced to the Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 (GDA94), in decimal degrees and are based on the spatial reference data acquired from the various custodians at the time. 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 4 DESCRIPTION OF DETERMINATION AREA The determination area comprises all of the land and waters described by lots on plan, or relevant parts thereof, and any rivers, streams, creeks or lakes described in the first column of the tables in the Parts immediately below, and depicted in the maps in Schedule 6, to the extent those areas are within the External Boundary and not otherwise excluded by the terms of Schedule 5. Part 1 - Exclusive Areas All of the land and waters described in the following table and depicted in dark blue on the determination map contained in Schedule 6: Area description (at the time of the determination) Determination Map Sheet Reference Note Lot 191 on DL839181 Sheet 25 ^ Lot 10 on M5448 Sheet 17 ~ Lot 10 on M6282 Sheet 26 Lot 111 on M5441 Sheet 16 Lot 11 on M5448 Sheet 17 ~ Lot 122 on DL366 Sheet 23 Lot 13 on M5444 Sheet 17 Lot 143 on AP21614 Sheet 25 Lot 14 on M5448 Sheet 17 Lot 15 on M5444 Sheet 17 Lot 15 on M5448 Sheet 17 Lot 16 on M5444 Sheet 17 Lot 16 on M5448 Sheet 17 Lot 17 on M5448 Sheet 17 Lot 17 on USL46637 Sheet 29 Lot 181 on DL397 Sheet 25 ~ Lot 182 on DL397 Sheet 25 Lot 183 on DL397 Sheet 25 ~ Lot 184 on DL397 Sheet 25 ~ Lot 185 on DL397 Sheet 25 ~ Lot 186 on DL397 Sheet 25 Lot 187 on DL397 Sheet 25 Lot 188 on DL397 Sheet 25 Lot 189 on DL397 Sheet 25 Lot 18 on M5448 Sheet 17 Lot 190 on DL397 Sheet 25 Lot 19 on M5448 Sheet 17 Lot 1 on AP21613 Sheet 23 Lot 1 on AP22173 Sheet 23 Lot 1 on AP22441 Sheet 24 Lot 1 on AP22445 Sheet 24 Lot 1 on M23221 Sheet 11 Lot 1 on M5444 Sheet 17 Lot 1 on M5447 Sheet 16 Lot 1 on M5448 Sheet 17 Lot 1 on M6282 Sheet 26 Lot 1 on WAR29 Sheet 4 Lot 204 on M5441 Sheet 16 Lot 205 on M5441 Sheet 16 ~ Lot 20 on M23214 Sheet 11 Lot 20 on M5448 Sheet 17 Lot 21 on M5444 Sheet 17 Lot 22 on M5444 Sheet 17 Lot 23 on M15114 Sheet 24 Lot 24 on M15114 Sheet 24 ~ Lot 25 on M15114 Sheet 24 ~ Lot 28 on M15114 Sheet 24 ~ Lot 29 on M15114 Sheet 24 ~ Lot 29 on M5444 Sheet 17 Lot 2 on AP22441 Sheet 25 Lot 2 on M23221 Sheet 11 Lot 2 on M5444 Sheet 17 Lot 2 on M5448 Sheet 17 Lot 2 on M6282 Sheet 26 Lot 2 on SP173913 Sheet 22 ~ Lot 2 on W6303 Sheet 18 ~ Lot 308 on A3843 Sheet 28 ~ Lot 309 on A3843 Sheet 28 ~ Lot 30 on M15114 Sheet 24 ~ Lot 30 on M5444 Sheet 17 Lot 310 on A3843 Sheet 28 Lot 311 on A3843 Sheet 28 Lot 312 on A3843 Sheet 28 Lot 313 on A3843 Sheet 28 Lot 31 on M15114 Sheet 24 ~ Lot 34 on DL494 Sheet 17 Lot 37 on DL452 Sheet 13 Lot 3 on DL366 Sheet 23 Lot 3 on M23221 Sheet 11 Lot 3 on M5444 Sheet 17 Lot 3 on M5448 Sheet 17 Lot 3 on M6282 Sheet 26 Lot 48 on OR225 Sheet 11 Lot 4 on M23221 Sheet 11 Lot 4 on M5448 Sheet 17 Lot 4 on M6282 Sheet 11 Lot 56 on M2325 Sheet 11 Lot 5 on M5444 Sheet 17 Lot 5 on M5448 Sheet 17 Lot 5 on M6282 Sheet 26 Lot 5 on SP200053 Sheet 24 Lot 6 on A3844 Sheet 27 Lot 6 on M5444 Sheet 17 Lot 6 on M5448 Sheet 17 Lot 6 on M6282 Sheet 26 Lot 6 on SP267082 Sheet 24 Lot 7 on M5444 Sheet 17 Lot 7 on M5448 Sheet 17 Lot 7 on M6282 Sheet 26 Lot 88 on USL46654 Sheet 27 Lot 8 on AP22439 Sheet 24 Lot 8 on M5444 Sheet 17 Lot 8 on M6282 Sheet 26 Lot 9 on M5444 Sheet 17 Lot 9 on M5448 Sheet 17 ~ Lot 9 on M6282 Sheet 26
^ denotes areas to which s 47A of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) apply ~ denotes areas to which s 47B of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) apply 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 That part of Carnarvon National Park, Lot 236 on NPW490, that falls within the External Boundary Sheets 1, 2 and 3 Lot 239 on NPW507 Sheets 9 and 10 Lot 183 on NPW523 Sheets 5, 6, 9 and 13 Lot 28 on OR34 Sheet 10 Lot 15 on FTY1044 Sheets 1 and 6 Lot 126 on FTY1130 Sheet 23 Lot 127 on FTY1238 Sheet 23 Lot 144 on FTY1239 Sheet 21 That part of Lot 88 on FTY1706 that falls within the External Boundary Sheet 2 Lot 14 on FTY1754 Sheets 1, 2, 6, and 8 That part of Lot 499 on FTY1882 excluding an area formerly described as Lot 10 on DL346 Sheet 21 That part of Lot 11 on FTY1920 that falls within the External Boundary, and excluding an area formerly described as Lot 6 on MNG50 Sheet 5 and 9 Lot 5 on FTY534 Sheet 8 and 2 Lot 10 on FTY564 Sheet 6 Lot 6 on FTY791 Sheet 2 That part of Lot 8 on FTY816 that falls within the External Boundary Sheets 5 and 6 Lot 7 on FTY844 Sheets 2 and 3 Lot 160 on FTY944 Sheets 8 and 21 Lot 8 on FTY955 Sheets 1 and 2 Lot 14 on M54414 Sheet 16 Lot 15 on M54414 Sheet 16 Lot 5 on M54414 Sheet 16 Lot 3480 on WAR805968 Sheets 2 and 4 Lot 8 on WAR53 Sheets 1 and 2 Lot 7 on WAR4 Sheet 2 Lot 6 on WAR4 Sheet 2 Lot 5 on WAR4 Sheet 2 Lot 10 on WAR31 Sheet 2 Lot 2 on WAR27 Sheet 2 Lot 1 on WAR25 Sheet 2 Lot 3 on WAR23 Sheet 2 Lot 4 on WAR22 Sheet 2 Lot 1 on WAR11 Sheet 1 Lot 4 on WAR1 Sheet 2 Lot 8 on SP281196 Sheets 9 and 13 Lot 4481 on SP279197 Sheets 9, 13 and 14 That part of Lot 3095 on SP276273 that falls within the External Boundary Sheet 1 Lot 1694 on SP276268 Sheet 6 Lot 4024 on SP271799 Sheet 6 Lot 4 on SP200765 Sheets 1 and 2 That part of Lot 3 on RS52 that falls within the External Boundary Sheet 10 Lot 4784 on PH644 Sheets 1 and 6 Lot 3481 on PH2114 Sheets 2 and 4 Lot 4420 on PH1227 Sheets 1, 2 and 3 Lot 1018 on PH1213 Sheets 5 and 6 Lot 3973 on PH102 Sheets 6 and 13 That part of Lot 1 on OR11 that falls within the External Boundary Sheets 9 and 10 Lot 218 on DUB5337 Sheet 23 Lot 8 on DL483 Sheet 13 Lot 132 on DL473 Sheet 23 Lot 12 on DL450 Sheet 8 Lot 11 on DL450 Sheet 8 That part of Lot 11 on DL449 that falls within the External Boundary Sheet 27 Lot 95 on DL422 Sheet 13 Lot 68 on DL347 Sheet 23 Lot 8 on CP886492 Sheets 5 and 6 That part of Lot 6 on BDR97 that falls within the External Boundary Sheets 1,5 and 6 Lot 2 on BDR84 Sheets 2 and 8 Lot 1 on BDR84 Sheet 2 That part of Lot 1 on BDR79 that falls within the External Boundary Sheet 8 Lot 8 on BDR48 Sheet 2 Lot 5 on M23221 Sheet 11 Lot 6 on M23221 Sheet 11 Lot 7 on M23221 Sheet 11 Lot 8 on M23221 Sheet 11 Lot 9 on M23221 Sheet 11 Lot 10 on DL294 Sheet 27 Lot 10 on SP260550 Sheets 23 and 24 Lot 110 on M5445 Sheet 15 Lot 113 on DL370 Sheet 23 Lot 115 on DL335 Sheet 24 Lot 115 on DL426 Sheet 15 Lot 115 on DL435 Sheet 21 Lot 116 on DL408 Sheet 21 Lot 116 on DL436 Sheet 13 Lot 117 on DL488 Sheet 15 Lot 117 on DL492 Sheet 21 Lot 118 on C891 Sheet 24 Lot 118 on DL41 Sheet 15 Lot 119 on DL348 Sheet 24 Lot 11 on BDR88 Sheet 6 Lot 11 on SP260550 Sheet 23 Lot 120 on DL412 Sheets 24 and 25 Lot 121 on DL437 Sheet 21 Lot 122 on M53109 Sheet 21 Lot 124 on M53109 Sheet 21 Lot 125 on SP265642 Sheet 24 Lot 12 on BDR17 Sheet 6 Lot 12 on SP260550 Sheet 24 Lot 13 on BDR89 Sheet 6 Lot 13 on DL445 Sheet 21 Lot 13 on DL479 Sheet 21 Lot 13 on SP260550 Sheets 23 and 24 Lot 14 on DL355 Sheet 21 Lot 14 on DL365 Sheet 12 Lot 15 on KE98 Sheet 13 That part of Lot 168 on DL342 that falls within the External Boundary Sheet 27 Lot 16 on OR35 Sheet 11 Lot 191 on DUB5341 Sheet 23 Lot 192 on DUB5342 Sheet 23 Lot 193 on DUB5341 Sheet 23 Lot 194 on DL839181 Sheets 23 and 25 Lot 1 on A3845 Sheet 28 Lot 1 on DL143 Sheet 24 Lot 1 on M15133 Sheet 24 Lot 1 on M23215 Sheet 11 Lot 1 on M54413 Sheet 15 Lot 1 on SP260550 Sheet 24 Lot 1 on SP265643 Sheet 24 Lot 1 on SP265644 Sheet 24 Lot 20 on DL487 Sheet 26 Lot 20 on OR69 Sheet 10 Lot 215 on DUB5393 Sheet 27 Lot 21 on OR69 Sheet 10 Lot 22 on OR77 Sheet 11 Lot 23 on CP817679 Sheet 10 Lot 25 on DL351 Sheet 6 Lot 26 on DL238 Sheet 13 Lot 27 on M15140 Sheet 24 Lot 29 on DL352 Sheet 18 Lot 29 on M51396 Sheet 14 Lot 2 on A3845 Sheet 28 Lot 2 on M15135 Sheet 24 Lot 2 on M15146 Sheet 24 Lot 2 on SP260550 Sheet 24 Lot 30 on SP127849 Sheet 18 Lot 31 on DL391 Sheet 13 Lot 32 on DL187 Sheet 13 Lot 34 on M23216 Sheet 10 Lot 35 on DL142 Sheet 13 Lot 35 on M1513 Sheet 24 Lot 38 on OR118 Sheet 10 Lot 3 on A3845 Sheet 28 Lot 3 on BDR67 Sheet 6 Lot 3 on SP260550 Sheet 24 Lot 40 on OR155 Sheets 10 and 11 Lot 43 on OR167 Sheet 11 Lot 4 on A3845 Sheet 28 Lot 4 on DL284 Sheet 14 Lot 4 on DL470 Sheet 6 Lot 4 on M15146 Sheet 24 Lot 4 on M23217 Sheet 11 Lot 4 on M51394 Sheets 23 and 24 Lot 4 on SP260550 Sheet 25 Lot 4 on WAR51 Sheet 1 Lot 50 on C8231 Sheet 11 That part of Lot 50 on KE6 that falls within the External Boundary Sheet 21 Lot 52 on OR361 Sheets 10 and 11 Lot 53 on W51108 Sheets 10 and 11 Lot 54 on OR206 Sheet 11 Lot 59 on DL405 Sheet 13 Lot 5 on A3845 Sheet 28 Lot 5 on BDR33 Sheet 7 Lot 5 on DL284 Sheet 14 Lot 5 on M23217 Sheet 11 That part of Lot 5 on MNG13 that falls within the External Boundary Sheet 5 Lot 5 on SP260550 Sheet 24 Lot 61 on DL485 Sheet 13 Lot 62 on DL451 Sheet 13 Lot 63 on SP127846 Sheet 15 Lot 69 on DUB5334 Sheet 23 Lot 6 on A3845 Sheet 28 Lot 6 on SP260550 Sheet 24 Lot 6 on WAR41 Sheet 2 Lot 72 on SP284884 Sheet 24 Lot 78 on DL55 Sheet 27 Lot 7 on A3845 Sheet 28 Lot 7 on BDR45 Sheet 7 Lot 7 on WV816 Sheet 21 That part of Lot 81 on DL455 that falls within the External Boundary Sheet 27 Lot 88 on DL215 Sheet 15 Lot 8 on A3845 Sheet 28 Lot 8 on BDR77 Sheet 6 Lot 8 on SP260550 Sheet 23 Lot 90 on DL320 Sheet 20 Lot 93 on DL227 Sheet 19 Lot 96 on DL171 Sheet 13 Lot 97 on DL20 Sheet 19 Lot 9 on BDR7 Sheet 8 Lot 9 on SP260550 Sheet 23 Lot 24 on CP861824 Sheet 24 Lot 25 on CP861824 Sheet 23 Lot 2 on M5447 Sheet 16 Lot 3 on M5447 Sheet 16 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: (i) Amby Creek; (ii) Angellala Creek; (iii) Aurichen Creek; (iv) Basalt Creek; (v) Billin Creek; (vi) Burgagay Creek; (vii) Camerons Creek; (viii) Darkwater Creek; (ix) Five Mile Creek; (x) Hamburg Creek; (xi) Maranoa River; (xii) Maranoa River East Branch; (xiii) Maranoa River West Branch; (xiv) Mercurah Creek, (xv) Merivale River; (xvi) Mungallala Creek; (xvii) North Amby Creek; (xviii) One Mile Creek; (xix) Oolandilla Creek; (xx) Sandy Creek; (xxi) Sawmill Creek; (xxii) Saw Pit Gully; (xxiii) Taboonbay Creek; (xxiv) Three Mile Creek; (xxv) Washpool Creek; and (xxvi) Womalilla Creek.
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:
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 Gunggari People #4 (the Gunggari People). 2 The claim is over lands and waters in South Central Queensland situated, generally, between the towns of Amby in the east, Morven in the West and Mount Moffatt in the north. The claim area is approximately 19,349 km2. 3 The parties have indicated their consent to a determination that the Gunggari People are the holders of native title in the area covered by the application.
The Native Title Act 4 In its preamble, the Act recognises, on behalf of all people of Australia, that the Aboriginal peoples of Australia inhabited the country for many years 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. 5 Section 3 of the Act states that the main objects of the Act are to protect and recognise native title, establish ways in which future dealings in relation to native title should proceed, and set standards for those dealings and establish a mechanism for determining native title claims. 6 An objective of the Act is the resolution of claims for the recognition of native title by agreement. That objective has been facilitated by amendments to s 87 of the Act brought about by the Native Title Amendment Act 2009 (Cth). The agreement of the parties to the terms of the proposed orders is consistent with that object of the Act. 7 The Court is asked to make a determination that native title is held by the Gunggari People in the claim area. By making that determination, the Australian community will collectively recognise that status. But, it is important to emphasise that the Court's orders do not grant native title. The Court is merely recognising rights and interests that have existed under the traditional laws and customs of the Gunggari People since thousands of years before European settlement. 8 Section 61 of the Act provides that a native title determination application may be made by 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. 9 Section 223(1) of the Act explains the meaning of "native title": 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. 10 Section 225 of the Act describes what is meant by a "determination of native title": 225 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.
The application 11 The application was filed on 10 October 2012. It seeks a determination on behalf of the Gunggari People over land and waters within the external boundaries of the application area. The application was amended on 21 October 2014, 19 November 2018 and 8 August 2019. 12 The respondents to the application are the State of Queensland, Central Highlands Regional Council, Maranoa Regional Council, Murweh Shire Council, Telstra Corporation Limited, Ergon Energy Corporation Limited, Babbiloora Pty Ltd, Bucknell Enterprises Pty Ltd, Adrian Wentworth Bucknell, Jennifer Narelle Bucknell, John Bruce Compagnoni, June Olive Compagnoni, Laura-Lee Anne Compagnoni, William David Compagnoni, Alan Regional Maudsley, Margaret Dawn Maudsley, Erica Jan Perrett, Harry Sibun Perrett, Margaret Ann Phillips, Ronald John Phillips, Nora Jean Statham, Maree Anne Stinson, Robert William Thorne, Henry Richard Thomas Whitton, Warren Gavin Wilson and Walter John Hartnell. 13 There have already been determinations of native title in favour of the Gunggari People in areas adjoining the present determination area: Kearns on behalf of the Gunggari People #2 v State of Queensland [2012] FCA 651; Foster on behalf of the Gunggari People #3 v State of Queensland [2014] FCA 1318. There are no overlapping or competing native title claims over the land and waters covered in this application. 14 In Kearns, Reeves J noted that the first application for a determination of native title on behalf of the Gunggari People was commenced in 1996. Since then, their claims have had a long and complicated procedural history. A part of that history is set out in the frequently cited decision of Emmett J in Munn for and on behalf of the Gunggari People v State of Queensland (2001) 115 FCR 109. The present determination is therefore an important step towards the final resolution of the Gunggari People's claims. 15 All parties to the application have reached agreement that native title exists and as to the nature and extent of those native title rights and interests in relation to the claimed area. That agreement, made under s 87(2) of the Act, was filed on 27 August 2019. 16 The evidence of connection filed in the Court by the applicant includes that of Marshall Foster, Reeghan Finlay, Wayne Lyle Dodd, Ethel Munn, Gordon Munn, Lynette Nixon, Saraeva Mitchell, Alan Martin, Ted Martin and Irene May Ryder. 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] per French J. 17 The applicant also relies on expert reports prepared by two anthropologists as follows: (1) Dr Kwok - Gunggari Connection Report - Stage 2 (July 2010); (2) Dr Kwok - Pre-Sovereignty Gunggari Society - Summary of Evidence (October 2009); (3) Dr Mayo - Anthropological Connection Report for Gunggari Native Title Claim # 4 (August 2017). 18 These reports provide detailed examinations of the continued acknowledgement and observance of a range of laws and customs in respect to language, cultural knowledge, totemic and spiritual beliefs, sites, dispute resolution, decision making, bush tucker and medicines. 19 Dr Mayo states in his report at [490] that: Gunggari people are proud of their heritage, are knowledgeable about traditional law, beliefs, practices, stories and customs, and consciously and energetically involved in the transmission of their culture to their younger generations. They are a strong society who have maintained continuity with their traditional society despite the travails bought by European settlement and who demonstrate an ability to maintain and develop their society in the 21st century. 20 Dr Kwok opines in her Connection Report (Stage Two) at [573] that: Despite the odds, determined efforts on the part of the Gunggari to maintain knowledge of country, or kind and countrymen, and of Gunggari law and custom - both on country and at a remove - ensured the survival of Gunggari society. Present Gunggari society may be seen as substantially continuous with that existing at presovereingty. 21 The Gunggari People are the biological descendants of the following persons: (1) Jinnegah aka Mary and Albert Murray; (2) Lizzie Woodford/Gyemore/South; (3) Harry Collins and Dinah Smith; (4) Old Frog; (5) Effie Armstrong, the granddaughter of Coombra Jack; (6) Kitty of St George aka Mary Bolon, the mother of George Hazzard Jnr, aka Henry James Hazzard; (7) Maggie of Moonie, the mother of Sarah Brennan and Isabella Kerr; (8) King Billy Dick; (9) Maria of Togny Station; (10) Harry Rockwood; (11) Lucy of Balonne River; (12) Charlotte Moffatt; (13) Parent of Mary of the Marnoa and Lizzie; (14) Nellie Walker; (15) Clifton George; (16) Mary of Bollon; or (17) Kate Meathers/Meadows. 22 The evidence filed by the applicant provides cogent evidence that the Gunggari People have maintained a continuous presence on their country, despite the pressures of colonisation which included significant displacement and the removal of families to places such as Taroom, Barambah, Brisbane, Deebing Creek and Palm Island. The evidence supports the claim that the traditional laws acknowledged and the customs observed by the Gunggari People give them the right to possess, occupy, use and enjoy the land and waters in the claim area.
The agreement reached between the parties 23 Section 87 of the Act gives the Court the power to make an order consistent with the terms of an agreement between the parties to the proceeding without holding a hearing in relation to the application. 24 The conditions under s 87 of the Act that enable the Court to make the determination without a hearing are: (1) The period specified in the notice given under s 66 of the Act in relation to the application had ended and there is an agreement between all the parties on the terms of a proposed order of the Court in relation to the proceedings: s 87(1)(a). (2) The terms of the proposed determination agreement are in writing and are signed by or on behalf of the parties and filed with the Court: s 87(1)(b). (3) The Court is satisfied that an order in, or consistent with, those terms would be within its power: s 87(1)(c). (4) The Court considers it appropriate to make the orders sought: s 87(1A) and (2). 25 The Court is not required to embark upon an inquiry as to the merits of the claim to be satisfied that the orders are supportable and in accordance with the law: Cox on behalf of the Yugngora People v State of Western Australia [2007] FCA 588 at [3] per French J. However, the Court will consider evidence for the limited purpose of determining whether the parties who have agreed to compromise the claim, particularly the State on behalf of the community generally, have made a rational decision and are acting in good faith: Munn for and on behalf of the Gunggari People v State of Queensland (2001) 115 FCR 109 at [30] per Emmett J. The primary consideration of the Court is to determine whether there is an agreement and whether it was freely entered on an informed basis: Nangkiriny v State of Western Australia (2002) 117 FCR 6 at [14] per North J. 26 State and Territory governments are responsible for ensuring that community interests are protected by getting involved in a process that assesses the underlying evidence as to the existence of native title. In this case, 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 27 The requirements of s 87 of the Act have been satisfied: (1) The period for notification of the Application under s 66 of the Act has ended: s 87(1)(a). (2) The parties have reached an agreement as to the terms of a determination of native title: s 87(1)(a). (3) The parties have recorded their agreement in a Minute of Consent: s 87(1)(b). (4) An order in terms of the Minute, or consistent with the Minute, would be within the Court's power because: (a) the application has been made in accordance with s61 of the Act; (b) the application is for a determination of native title in relation to an area for which there was no approved determination of native title: s 13(1)(a); and (c) the Minute agreed to by the parties complies with ss 94A and 225 of the Act: s 87(1)(c). 28 In addition, it is appropriate for the Court to make the orders sought because: (1) The active parties have freely entered into agreement. (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 given appropriate consideration to the connection material. 29 The terms of the proposed determination also satisfy the requirements of s 225 of the Act.
Prescribed Body Corporate 30 Section 55 of the NTA requires the Court to make such determinations as are required by ss 56 and 57 at the same time as or as soon as practicable after the determination. Order 15 of the s 87 agreement signed by the parties seeks a determination that the Gunggari Native Title Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (ICN 7725) (GNTAC) is to be the prescribed body corporate for the purposes of ss 56(2)(b) and 56(3) of the NTA to perform the functions set out in s 57(1). 31 The nomination is supported by the affidavit of Shannon Anne McGrellis, affirmed on 8 August 2019, which deposes that on 1 August 2019, Marshall Foster, a Gunggari person and member of the applicant, formally nominated the GNTAC to be the prescribed body corporate for the purposes of s 56(2)(a) of the NTA. Ms McGrellis further deposes that GNTAC has consented to such nomination. 32 Accordingly, the Court determines that GNTAC is to be the prescribed body corporate for the purposes of s 56(1) of the NTA. 33 For the reasons outlined above, I will make orders in terms of the agreement reached by the parties. I certify that the preceding thirty-three (33) numbered paragraphs are a true copy of the Reasons for Judgment herein of the Honourable Justice Rangiah.
SCHEDULE OF PARTIES QUD 550 of 2012
QUD 19 of 2019 Respondents Fourth Respondent: MURWEH SHIRE COUNCIL Fifth Respondent: TELSTRA CORPORATION LIMITED Sixth Respondent: ERGON ENERGY CORPORATION LIMITED Seventh Respondent: BABBILOORA PTY LTD Eighth Respondent: BUCKNELL ENTERPRISES PTY LTD Ninth Respondent: ADRIAN WENTWORTH BUCKNELL Tenth Respondent: JENNIFER NARELLE BUCKNELL Eleventh Respondent: JOHN BRUCE COMPAGNONI Twelfth Respondent: JUNE OLIVE COMPAGNONI Thirteenth Respondent: LAURA-LEE ANNE COMPAGNONI Fourteenth Respondent: WILLIAM DAVID COMPAGNONI Fifteenth Respondent: ALAN REGINALD MAUDSLEY Sixteenth Respondent: MARGARET DAWN MAUDSLEY Seventeenth Respondent: ERICA JAN PERRETT Eighteenth Respondent: HARRY SIBUN PERRETT Nineteenth Respondent: MARGARET ANN PHILLIPS Twentieth Respondent: RONALD JOHN PHILLIPS Twenty-First Respondent: NORA JEAN STATHAM Twenty-Second Respondent: MAREE ANNE STINSON Twenty-Third Respondent: ROBERT WILLIAM THORNE Twenty-Fourth Respondent: HENRY RICHARD THOMAS WHITTON Twenty-Fifth Respondent: WARREN GAVIN WILSON Twenty-Sixth Respondent: WALTER JOHN HARTNELL
Foster on behalf of the Gunggari People #4
State of Queensland