There be a determination of native title in matters NTD 6014/2000 and 6003/2003 in the terms of the determination set out below.
The native title is not to be held on trust.
An Aboriginal corporation whose name is to be provided within 12 months, or such further time as the Court may allow, is:
(a) to be the prescribed body corporate for the purposes of s 57(2) of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (the Native Title Act);
(b) to perform the functions outlined in s 57(3) of the Act after becoming a registered native title body corporate.
There be no order as to costs.
The parties have liberty to apply for the following purposes:
(a) to establish the existence of any public work (including any adjacent land or waters), as defined in the Native Title Act, that is said to fall within paragraph 10 of Schedule D to this determination;
(b) to establish the precise location and boundaries of the public works and adjacent land and waters identified in relation to any part or parts of the determination area referred to in Schedule D to this determination;
(c) to establish the precise location of the boundaries of any land subject to the s 24KA notices referred to in paragraphs 17 and 18 of this determination; and
(d) to determine whether, and the extent to which, any acts described under the s 24KA notices referred to in paragraphs 17 and 18 of this determination are wholly or partly inconsistent with the continued existence, enjoyment or exercise of the native title rights and interests described in paragraphs 10, 11 and 12.
DETERMINATION OF NATIVE TITLE
THE COURT ORDERS AND DETERMINES THAT:
Existence of native title (s 225)
The determination area is the land and waters described in Schedule A and depicted on the map comprising Schedule B (the determination area).
Native title exists in those parts of the determination area identified in Schedule C being:
(a) the areas of land and waters to which s 47A or s 47B of the Native Title Act applies, and more particularly described in item 1(a) of Schedule C (the exclusive areas);
(b) the remaining areas of land and waters, being the areas more particularly described in item 1(b) of Schedule C (the non-exclusive areas).
Native title does not exist in those parts of the determination area identified in Schedule D.
In the event of any inconsistency between the description of an area in Schedule A and the depiction of that area on the map in Schedule B, the written description will prevail.
Native title holders (s 225(a))
The native title is held by the persons described in Orders 6 - 9.
The land and waters of the determination area comprise part of the estate held by the members of the Rrumburriya Borroloola group.
The Rrumburriya Borroloola group includes persons who are members of the group by reason of:
(a) patrilineal descent;
(b) his or her mother, father's mother or mother's mother being or having been a member of the group by reason of patrilineal descent;
(c) having been adopted or incorporated into the descent relationships referred to in (a) or (b) above.
These persons are collectively referred to as the estate group members.
In accordance with traditional laws and customs, other Aboriginal people have rights and interests in respect of the determination area, subject to the rights and interests of the members of the Rrumburriya Borroloola group, such people being:
(a) the members of the estate groups associated with neighbouring estates;
(b) the spouses of the members of the Rrumburriya Borroloola group;
(c) persons who were spiritually conceived on the estate of the Rrumburriya Borroloola group, but who are not members of that group.
Each of the estate groups referred to in Order 8(a) includes persons who are members of the group by reason of:
(a) patrilineal descent;
(b) his or her mother, father's mother or mother's mother being or having been a member of the group by reason of patrilineal descent;
(c) having been adopted or incorporated into the descent relationships referred to in (a) or (b) above.
The nature and extent of native title rights and interests (s 225(b), s 225(e))
Subject to Orders 13 and 14, in relation to the exclusive areas the native title rights and interests possessed under traditional laws and customs are the rights of possession, occupation, use and enjoyment as against the whole world.
Subject to Orders 13 and 14, in relation to the non-exclusive areas the native title rights and interests of the members of the Rrumburriya Borroloola group are the rights:
(a) to access, remain on and use the areas;
(b) to access and to take for any purpose the resources of the areas; and
(c) to protect places, areas and things of traditional significance on the areas.
Subject to Orders 13 and 14, in relation to both the exclusive and the non-exclusive areas the native title rights and interests of the persons referred to in paragraph 8 are the rights:
(a) to access, remain on and use the areas;
(b) to access the resources of the areas.
Qualifications on native title rights and interests (s 225(b), s 225(e))
The native title rights and interests are exercisable in accordance with, and subject to:
(a) the traditional laws and customs of the native title holders; and
(b) the laws of the Northern Territory and the Commonwealth, including the common law.
Notwithstanding anything in this determination, there are no native title rights and interests in:
(a) such minerals (as defined in s 2 of the Minerals (Acquisition) Act (NT));
(b) such petroleum (as defined in s 5 of the Petroleum Act (NT));
(c) such prescribed substances (as defined in s 3 of the Atomic Energy (Control of Materials) Act 1946 (Cth) and/or s 5(1) of the Atomic Energy Act 1953 (Cth))
in the determination area as are wholly owned by the Crown.
The nature and extent of any other interests (s 225(c))
The nature and extent of other rights and interests in relation to the determination area are those set out in Schedule E (other interests).
Relationship between native title rights and other interests (s 225(d))
Except as otherwise provided for by law, the relationship between the native title rights and interests and the other interests is as follows:
(a) the determination does not affect the validity of those other interests;
(b) to the extent of any inconsistency between the other interests and the continued existence, enjoyment or exercise of the native title rights and interests, the native title rights and interests continue to exist in their entirety, but they have no effect in relation to the other interests to the extent of the inconsistency during the currency of the other interests; and
(c) otherwise, the other interests co-exist with the native title rights and interests. To avoid doubt, the doing of an activity required or permitted under those interests prevails over the native title rights and interests and their exercise, but does not extinguish them.
The non-extinguishment principle applies to any water supply pipelines, sewerage pipelines and pump stations and electricity transmission lines validly constructed on Lots 797, 798, 800, 803, 804, 806, 807 or 808 Town of Borroloola by or on behalf of the Power and Water Corporation pursuant to a notice dated 28 April 2010 and provided to the Applicant under s 24KA of the Native Title Act.
The non-extinguishment principle applies to any Global Navigation Satellite System base station validly constructed on part of Lot 797 Town of Borroloola by or on behalf of the Northern Territory pursuant to a notice dated 25 February 2014 and provided to the Applicant under s 24KA of the Native Title Act.
Definitions
In this determination, unless the contrary intention appears:
"land" and "waters" respectively have the same meanings as in the Native Title Act;
"Native Title Act" means the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth);
"the Commonwealth" means the Commonwealth of Australia;
"the Northern Territory" means the Northern Territory of Australia.
Note: Entry of orders is dealt with in Rule 39.32 of the Federal Court Rules 2011.
Schedule A - Written description of the determination area
[See Order 1]
The determination area comprises all the land and waters within the external boundary of the Town of Borroloola - Gazette Number NTG35 dated 30/8/1972 as further described below, excluding Lot 828, being the areas shown generally on the map in Schedule B.
The Town of Borroloola is further described as all that piece or parcel of land near Borroloola in the Northern Territory of Australia containing an area of 2797 acres more or less: Commencing at the northernmost corner of the Town of Borroloola as notified in South Australian Government Gazette dated 10 September, 1885; thence by lines bearing 90 degrees 6000 feet; 180 degrees 10850 feet; 226 degrees 4340 feet; 270 degrees 6720 feet; 6 degrees 13960 feet; 90 degrees 2390 feet to the point of commencement.
Schedule B - Map of the determination area
[See Order 1]
The determination area comprises the areas of land and waters shown generally on the map below.
Schedule C - Areas where native title exists
[See Order 2]
Item 1(a) - the areas of land and waters in respect of which exclusive native title rights and interests exist
[Areas referred to in Order 2(a)]
The parts of the determination area to which s 47A or s 47B of the Native Title Act applies are the lots in the Town of Borroloola set out in the table below.
In the table "(part)" signifies that native title has been extinguished over part of the lot by a public work or that s 47A or s 47B applies to some, but not all, of the lot. The public works that have extinguished native title are set out in the table at paragraph 8 of Schedule D and include the roads described in paragraph 9 of Schedule D.
In the table "(excluding McArthur River)" signifies that only non-exclusive native title rights and interests exist over that part of the lot comprising the McArthur River below the mean high water mark of the ebb and flow of the tides.
Description S 47A or 47B Description S 47A or 47B
Lot 1 47B Lot 335 47B
Lot 298 47B Lot 336 47B
Lot 229 47B Lot 337 47B
Lot 300 47B Lot 338 (part) 47B
Lot 301 47B Lot 340 47B
Lot 302 47B Lot 341 47B
Lot 303 47B Lot 342 47B
Lot 304 47B Lot 400 47B
Lot 306 47B Lot 401 47B
Lot 308 47B Lot 402 47B
Lot 310 (part) 47B Lot 403 47B
Lot 312 47B Lot 404 47B
Lot 314 47B Lot 405 47B
Description S 47A or 47B Description S 47A or 47B
Lot 315 47B Lot 406 47B
Lot 316 47B Lot 407 47B
Lot 317 47B Lot 408 47B
Lot 318 47B Lot 411 47B
Lot 319 47B Lot 412 47B
Lot 320 47B Lot 413 47B
Lot 322 47B Lot 414 47B
Lot 323 47B Lot 415 47B
Lot 324 47B Lot 416 47B
Lot 326 47B Lot 417 47B
Lot 327 47B Lot 418 47B
Lot 328 47B Lot 419 47B
Lot 331 (part) 47A Lot 446 47B
Lot 333 (part) 47B Lot 447 47B
Lot 448 47B Lot 516 (part) 47B
Lot 449 47B Lot 517 47B
Lot 450 47B Lot 518 (part) 47B
Lot 451 47B Lot 523 (part) 47B
Lot 452 (part) 47B Lot 524 (part) 47B
Lot 453 (part) 47B Lot 525 (part) 47B
Lot 454 (part) 47B Lot 526 (part) 47B
Lot 456 47B Lot 545 47A
Lot 457 (part) 47B Lot 549 47A
Lot 458 47B Lot 550 47A
Lot 459 47B Lot 551 47A
Lot 460 47B Lot 552 47A
Lot 461 47B Lot 553 47A
Lot 462 47B Lot 595 (part) 47B
Lot 465 47B Lot 597 (part) 47B
Lot 466 47B Lot 598 (part) 47B
Lot 467 (part) 47B Lot 610 47B
Lot 468 (part) 47B Lot 645 (part) 47B
Description S 47A or 47B Description S 47A or 47B
Lot 469 47B Lot 650 (part) 47B
Lot 470 (part) 47B Lot 651 (part) 47B
Lot 471 47B Lot 652 (part) 47B
Lot 472 47B Lot 653 47B
Lot 473 47B Lot 654 47B
Lot 485 47B Lot 655 47B
Lot 486 47B Lot 656 47B
Lot 487 47B Lot 657 47B
Lot 488 (part) 47B Lot 658 (part) 47B
Lot 489 (part) 47B Lot 659 (part) 47B
Lot 490 (part) 47B Lot 660 47B
Lot 491 (part) 47B Lot 661 47B
Lot 492 (part) 47B Lot 662 (part) 47B
Lot 493 (part) 47B Lot 663 47B
Lot 494 (part) 47B Lot 664 47B
Lot 495 (part) 47B Lot 665 47B
Lot 503 47B Lot 666 47B
Lot 510 47B Lot 667 47B
Lot 511 47B Lot 668 47B
Lot 512 47B Lot 669 47B
Lot 513 47B Lot 670 (part) 47B
Lot 514 47B Lot 671 47B
Lot 515 (part) 47B Lot 672 47B
Lot 679 (part) 47B Lot 790 (part) 47A
Lot 683 47B Lot 794 (part) 47B
Lot 684 47B Lot 797 (part) 47B
Lot 686 47B Lot 798 (part) 47B
Lot 691 47B Lot 799 (part) 47B
Lot 692 47B Lot 800 (part) 47B
Lot 693 47B Lot 801 47B
Lot 694 47B Lot 803 (part) 47B
(excluding McArthur
River)
Description S 47A or 47B Description S 47A or 47B
Lot 695 47B Lot 804 (part) 47B
(excluding McArthur River)
Lot 699 47B Lot 805 (excluding McArthur River 47B
Lot 707 (part) 47B Lot 806 (part) (excluding McArthur River) 47B
Lot 708 (part) 47B Lot 807 (part) 47B
Lot 709 (part) 47B Lot 808 (part) (excluding McArthur River) 47B
Lot 710 (part) 47B Lot 815 (part) 47B
Lot 711 47B
Lot 712 47B Lot 825 (part) 47A
Lot 713 47B Lot 826 47B
Lot 769 (part) 47B Lot 498 47B
Lot 773 (part) 47A
Lot 786 47B
Lot 789 (part) 47A
[2]
Item 1(b) - the areas of land and waters in respect of which non-exclusive native title rights and interests exist
[Areas referred to in Order 2(b)]
In this item, "(part)" signifies that native title has been extinguished over part of the lot by a public work. The public works that have extinguished native title are set out in the table at paragraph 8 of Schedule D and include the roads described in paragraph 9 of Schedule D.
The parts of the determination area in respect of which non-exclusive native title rights and interests exist are the following lots in the Town of Borroloola:
Lot 334 (part);
Lot 344 (part);
Lot 468 (part only, being that part covered by OL 3279 and not the subject of any public work);
Lot 490 (part only, being that part covered by OL 3279 and not the subject of any public work);
Lot 491 (part only, being that part covered by OL 3279 and not the subject of any public work);
Lot 492 (part only, being that part covered by OL 3279 and not the subject of any public work);
Lot 493 (part only, being that part covered by OL 3279 and not the subject of any public work);
Lot 494 (part only, being that part covered by OL 3279 and not the subject of any public work);
Lot 499 (part);
Lot 595 (part only, being that part covered by OL 3261 and not the subject of any public work);
Lot 626 (part);
Lot 764;
Lot 765;
Lot 803 (part only, namely (i) that part covered by OL 3384 and not the subject of any public work; (ii) that part comprising Rocky Creek below the mean high water mark of the ebb and flow of the McArthur River (being that part of Rocky Creek from its junction with the McArthur River to a point about 500 metres to the east) and (iii) that part comprising the McArthur River below the mean high water mark of the ebb and flow of the tides;
Lot 804, (part only, namely that part comprising the McArthur River below the mean high water mark of the ebb and flow of the tides;
Lot 805, (part only, namely that part comprising the McArthur River below the mean high water mark of the ebb and flow of the tides;
Lot 806, (part only, namely that part comprising the McArthur River below the mean high water mark of the ebb and flow of the tides;
Lot 807 (part only, being that part covered by OL 3279 and not the subject of any public work);
Lot 808, (part only, namely that part comprising the McArthur River below the mean high water mark of the ebb and flow of the tides;
Lot 809;
Lot 820 (part only, being that part covered by OL 3261 and not the subject of any public work);
Lot 821.
Schedule D - Areas where native title does not exist
[See Order 3]
Native title rights and interests do not exist in the following areas of land and waters:
The whole of each of the following lots in the Town of Borroloola, which have been the subjects of grants of estates in fee simple: 297,305, 307, 309, 311, 313, 321, 325, 329, 339, 343, 345, 347, 349, 350, 353, 355, 357, 359, 360, 361, 363, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, 385, 392, 393 396, 397, 398, 531, 534, 562, 555, 565, 568, 588, 640, 676, 696, 697, 698, 699, 700, 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, 706, 768, 771, 772, 774, 777, 780, 781, 810, 814, 830 and 831.
The whole of each of the following lots in the Town of Borroloola, which have been the subjects of grants of estates in fee simple to the Borroloola Community Government Council: 382, 383, 384, 386, 387, 390, 391, 681, and 779.
The whole of each of the following lots in the Town of Borroloola, which have been the subjects of grants of Crown Lease Perpetual Leases: 783, 784, 796, 832 and 833.
The whole of Lot 812 and Lot 813 in the Town of Borroloola, each of which was the subject of a grant of a Crown Lease Term.
The whole of Lot 644 and Lot 770 in the Town of Borroloola, each of which was the subject of a grant of a Crown Lease Perpetual to the Borroloola Community Government Council.
The whole of each of the following lots in the Town of Borroloola, which have been the subjects of grants of Leases of Town Lands: 409, 530, 535, 538, 539, 540, 541, 542, 543, 544, 547, 548, 554, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 563, 564, 566, 567, 569, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, 576, 577, 578, 581, 582, 583, 584, 585, 586.
The whole of each of the following lots in the Town of Borroloola upon which public works have been constructed: 330, 332, 346, 348, 351, 352, 354, 356, 358, 362, 364, 365, 366, 372, 379, 455, 463, 464, 496, 497, 527, 546, 599, 600, 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 608, 609, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 627, 628, 629, 630, 631, 632, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 638, 646, 673, 674, 677, 685, 687, 688, 689, 690, 775, 778, 792 and 793.
7A. The whole of Lot 920.
Parts of the lots in the Town of Borroloola set out in the table below.
The parts of these lots where native title is extinguished are: 1) the parts where the public works set out in the table below have been constructed; and 2) any adjacent land or waters the use of which is or was necessary for, or incidental to, the construction, establishment or operation of the work.
Lot Description of public work
1 One 11kv overhead power line
310 One 100mm pipe
311 Pipe and meter
One .413kv overhead power line
333 The part of Lot 333 within the fenced boundary of the Borroloola Aerodrome
334 The part of Lot 334 within the fenced boundary of the Borroloola Aerodrome
338 The part of Lot 338 within the fenced boundary of the Borroloola Aerodrome
344 The part of Lot 344 within the fenced boundary of the Borroloola Aerodrome
452 Water pipeline
453 Water pipeline
454 Building slab
457 The part of Lot 457 that is adjacent to the building in Lot 455 and the use of which is necessary for, or incidental to, the operation of the building
467 Water pipeline
468 Water pipeline
470 Water pipeline
488 Water pipeline
489 Water pipeline
491 Water pipeline
492 Water pipeline
494 Water pipeline
495 Water pipeline
499 The part of Lot 499 within the fenced boundary of the Borroloola Aerodrome
Lot Description of public work
515 Water pipeline
516 Water pipeline
518 Water pipeline
523 South (McArthur River) boat ramp access road
524 South (McArthur River) boat ramp access road
Water pipeline
525 The part of Lot 525 the use of which is necessary for, or incidental to, the operation of the South (McArthur River) boat ramp access road
Water pipeline
597 Power station
One 11kv overhead power line (from Robinson Road)
One .415kv overhead power line (from Robinson Road)
One .240kv overhead power line
Access track and internal road that extends from Garawa Street and surrounds the enclosed part of the power station.
One 50mm pipeline and meter
598 One .415kv overhead power line
644 One .415kv overhead power line
645 Oval
The area enclosed by a fence as depicted on the plan of the Borroloola Senior Campus.
Carpark between Lot 920 and Robinson Road.
Three .415kv overhead power lines
.240kv overhead power line
One 50mm pipeline and meter
650 One .415kv overhead power line
651 One .415kv overhead power line
652 One .415kv overhead power line
658 One .415kv overhead power line
659 One 11kv overhead power line
662 Pipeline
670 Pipeline
679 Bores: RN21350, RN21357, RN21358 and RN21359
Enclosed areas around bores RN21357 and RN21359
40mm PVC ground pipes
80mm PVC underground pipes
80-150mm PVC DICL pipes
150mm PVC pipe
Bore access road and access tracks to bores
One 11kv overhead power line
One .415kv overhead power line
707 Water pipeline
708 Water pipeline
709 Water pipeline
710 Water pipeline
769 Pipeline and meter
One 150mm PVC pipe
773 • One 100mm pipe
• Three .415kv overhead power lines
• One .240kv overhead power line
• Bore RN9911
789 Water mains
Two 100mm pipes
One 11kv overhead power line
Four .415kv overhead power lines
Two .240kv overhead power lines
Six .240kv overhead power lines
One 150mm distribution pipeline
790 Two 100mm pipes
One 11kv overhead power line
Two .415kv overhead power lines
One .240kv overhead power line
One 11kv overhead power line
One .415kv overhead power lines
794 Fenced enclosure
Two water tanks and associated pumps, pipework and valves
One 32mm PVC pipe
Two 80mm PVC pipes
One 150mm PVC pipe
One 50mm PVC pipe
One .415kv overhead power line
One .240kv overhead power line
797 Water tank access road
150mm DICL water pipes
Fenced enclosure and 2ML ground level water tank
225mm DICL / PVC pipes
Bore RN21351
One .415kv overhead power line (northwest)
Two .240kv overhead power lines
One 11kv overhead power line
Communications tower
798 Pipeline
Bores: RN4397 and RN9077
Bore access road adjacent to the bores located on Lot 679
799 The part of Lot 799 within the fenced boundary of the Borroloola Aerodrome
800 Pipeline
803 The part of Lot 803 within the fenced boundary of the Borroloola Aerodrome
One .415kv overhead power line
Two 11kv overhead power lines
One .240kv overhead power line
One 100mm PVC pipe
North (Rocky Creek) boat ramp
North (Rocky Creek) boat ramp car park, which is approximately 100m2 in area
804 Pipeline
806 Two 11kv overhead power lines
Two .415kv overhead power lines
One .240kv overhead power line
South (McArthur River) boat ramp
Bore RN24554 and enclosure
Two 50mm PVC pipes
807 Pipeline
Two .415kv overhead power lines
One 11kv overhead power line
One .240kv overhead power line
South (McArthur River) boat ramp
South (McArthur River) boat ramp car park, which is approximately 100m2 in area
808 Pipeline
Gauging station G9070121
815 Pipeline
820 One .415kv overhead power line
825 One .240kv overhead power line
One .415kv overhead power line
[3]
The following roads in the Town of Borroloola:
Alfred Street McIntyre Street
Allen Street McLeod Street
Anyula Street (30 metres wide) Milne Street
Baker Terrace Moss Street
Bore access road (RN 450) (30 metres wide) Mulholland Street (20 metres wide) including that part of the road abutting Lots 650 to 672
Broad Street (15-16.5 metres wide) North (Rocky Creek) Boat Ramp Access Road (across parts of lots 773 and 803: 40 metres wide)
Burt Street Old Bing Bong Road (30 metres wide)
Carpentaria Highway (100 metres wide) Reichardt Street
Carrington Terrace Riddoch Terrace
Favenc Street Robinson Road (15-30 metres wide)
Foster Court (30 metres wide) Ross Street
Garawa Street including extension across Lot 797 to Lot 679 (25-31 metres wide) Ryan Street
Glen Street Sayle Court (20 metres wide)
Harney Court (20 metres wide) Searcy Street (including extension across Lot 804 to northern town boundary: 30 metres wide)
John Street Short Street
Jose Street (20 metres wide) South (McArthur River) Boat Ramp Access Road (across part Lots 807, 523-525, and 806: 40 metres wide)
Kavanagh Street Spring Creek access road (100 metres wide)
Kennon Street Umpherstone Street
Kingston Street Unnamed extension of Robinson Road (25 metres wide)
Langdon Terrace Unnamed road between Lots 652 and 653 (6 metres wide)
Lynott Terrace Watson Terrace
McArthur Terrace Wollogorang Road (100-120 metres wide)
[4]
The distances given above in metres in relation to some roads reflect the widths of the respective road corridors and the extent of the adjacent area relevant to those roads within the meaning of s 251D of the Native Title Act.
The following public roads:
Garawa "A" Town Camp Road (as depicted on the "Roadworks and Services Plan Garawa 1" dated 4 September 1991)
Garawa "B" Town Camp Road (as depicted on the "Roadworks and Services Plan Garawa 2" dated 4 September 1991)
Yanyula Town Camp Road (as depicted on the "Roadworks and Services Plan Yanyula" dated 4 September 1991)
10. Those parts of the determination area not identified in paragraphs 7, 7A, 8 or 9 above, if any, on which there exists a public work (including any adjacent land or waters), as defined in the Native Title Act, which was validly constructed, established or situated prior to 23 December 1996 or commenced to be constructed, established or situated on or before that date.
11. The whole of Lot 828 in the Town of Borroloola in respect of which native title rights and interests have been surrendered under an Indigenous Land Use Agreement.
Schedule E - Other Interests
[See Order 14]
The nature and extent of other interests in relation to the determination area as they exist at the date of this determination as follows:
(a) the rights and interests of Telstra Corporation Limited:
(i) as the owner or operator of telecommunications facilities within the determination area;
(ii) 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:
(a) to inspect land;
(b) to install and operate telecommunications facilities; and
(c) to alter, remove, replace, maintain, repair and ensure the proper functioning of its telecommunications facilities;
(iii) 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
(iv) under any license, access agreement or easement relating to its telecommunications facilities in the determination area;
(b) the rights of Aboriginal persons (whether or not native title holders) by virtue of the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989 (NT);
(c) the rights of access by an employee, servant, agent or instrumentality of the Northern Territory or the Commonwealth, or other statutory authority as required in the performance of statutory duties;
(d) the rights of any employee, servant, agent or instrumentality of the Northern Territory in relation to the drainage easement over part Lot 597 as depicted on Survey Plan S81/226;
(e) the rights of the Power and Water Corporation, its employees, agents or contractors in relation to the following:
(i) a water supply easement on Lots 769 and 770 as depicted on Survey Plan S85/49;
(ii) a water supply easement on Lot 773 as depicted on Survey Plan S85/52;
(iii) various water, electricity and access easements on Lot 789 as depicted on Survey Plan S89/374A;
(iv) a water supply easement on Lot 790 as depicted on Survey Plan S89/364B;
(v) a water supply/pipeline easement on Lot 825 as depicted on Survey Plans S81/216 and S99/304.
(f) Rights and interests held by reason of the force and operation of the Water Act (NT);
(g) the interests of persons to whom valid and validated rights and interests have been:
(i) granted by the Crown pursuant to statute or otherwise in the exercise of executive power; or
(ii) otherwise conferred by statute.
[5]
MANSFIELD J:
1 On 30 June 2016, I published reasons for judgment in this matter relating to the main two areas in dispute: Rrumburriya Borroloola Claim Group v Northern Territory of Australia [2016] FCA 776 (the Reasons).
2 The principal issue in contention was a limited one. It was as to the extent of the right claimed to take resources from the area, and the right related to control access to and use of the claim area. The contest was whether those acknowledged rights were limited to personal purposes of a domestic or subsistence nature or were exercisable for any purpose, including commercial or business purposes.
3 After a lengthy hearing, and careful consideration of the issues, I decided that the right to access and take resources from the claim area by the estate group members is an unrestricted one, and in particular is not restricted to taking for personal purposes of a domestic or subsistence nature only.
4 The second part of the decision concerned issues of extinguishment.
5 I did not make formal orders at the time. I acceded to the suggestion of the parties that they should prepare a determination with the necessary detail to give effect to them.
6 The parties have now done so. It is reflected in the Order which I now propose to make. The Order recognises the Rrumburriya Borroloola claim group, through its various estate groups, as the holders of native title rights and interests in the Town of Borroloola in the terms of the agreed acknowledgment of the parties, and in relation to that principal issue as determined by the Court. The proposed order also gives effect to the reasons for decision on extinguishment and incorporates them into the terms of the order. I am grateful for the cooperative way in which the parties, through their representatives, have been able to reach that consensus in the light of the Reasons.
7 Accordingly, I now formally make Orders recognising the Rrumburriya Borroloola claim group as the holders of native title in the Town of Borroloola both at the time of sovereignty and through the period of European contact to the present time, in terms of the Orders with these brief reasons.
I certify that the preceding seven (7) numbered paragraphs are a true copy of the Reasons for Judgment herein of the Honourable Justice Mansfield.
Parties
Applicant/Plaintiff:
Rrumburriya Borroloola Claim Group
Respondent/Defendant:
Northern Territory of Australia
Legislation Cited (9)
(Cth), the Telecommunications Act 1975(Cth)
(Cth), the Australian Telecommunications Corporation Act 1989(Cth)