ATNS - Agreements, Treaties and Negotiated Settlements project

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Wotjobaluk In-Principle Native Title Agreement
Date:	1 January 2002
Sub Category:	Interim Agreement
Place:
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State/Country:	Victoria, Australia
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Subject Matter:	Native Title \| Recognition of Native Title or Traditional Ownership \| Cultural Heritage \| Environmental Heritage
Summary Information:
The Wotjobaluk people and the State of Victoria have reached an in-principle agreement that could result in Victoria's first determination that native title exists. The Wotjobaluk claim was lodged in 1995 and involves over 400 parties including 300 farmers in the Wimmera Region. The proposed settlement package includes a consent determination of native title recognising the Wotjobaluk People's rights to hunt, gather, fish and camp according to their traditional laws and customs on Crown reserves along the Wimmera River in Victoria's west between Lake Albacutya and Yarriambiack Creek, subject to all existing laws and regulations. This does not include areas where native title has been extinguished by previous tenures. In another part of the agreement, the Wotjobaluk with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment would co-manage national parks and other areas of cultural significance in the region. They would also gain a role in protecting Wotjobaluk cultural heritage. Freehold title to three Crown allotments totalling 45 hectares, over which the Wotjobaluk People have demonstrated strong cultural and historical connection, would also be granted under the deal. In return, the Wotjobaluk have agreed to a determination that native title does not exist over the remainder of the claim area.