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Agreement between the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation and the State of Western Australia

Date: 23 March 2006
Sub Category:Joint Management Agreement
Place:Coral Bay
State/Country:Western Australia, Australia
Coral Bay is situated on the coast of Western Australia, approximately 50 km north of the Tropic of Capricorn and 120 km south of Exmouth.
Subject Matter:Land Management | Land Planning | Native Title | Tourism
Summary Information:
The Agreement between the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation and the Western Australian Government (the Agreement) was announced on 23 March 2006. It will allow planned expansions of the Coral Bay townsite to proceed.

Detailed Information:
Undertakings

Under the Agreement, the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation will:
  • surrender its native title rights over a 2 km coastal strip and land (through the Gnulli working native title working group); and
  • support proposed development and the construction of key infrastructure in the Coral Bay area.

    The Agreement has been endorsed by the Gnulli native title working group, represented by the Yamatji Land and Sea Council. The working group 'has agreed not to object to specified native title future acts arising from the implementation of the Coral Bay Settlement Play in the Ningaloo Coast Regional Strategy from Carnarvon to Exmouth' (MacTiernan 2006).

    The Western Australian government will grant to the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation:
  • conditional freehold title to a site for a corporation office and a cultural tourism office in Coral Bay;
  • a lease for the development of worker accommodation, also in Coral Bay;
  • a tourism lease at Bruboodjoo point; and
  • joint management of a 5,736 ha conservation and recreation reserve that adjoins Cardabia Station on the Ningaloo coast.

    Commentary

    Gwen Peck, the Chairperson of the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation, has said that 'We are very excited with this outcome and have long held aspirations to be involved in tourism on our land. We now have the opportunity for jobs for our young people, along with some very exciting economic development. Plus, there is the chance to share our culture with visitors, which will greatly assist in keeping it alive' (MacTiernan 2006).

    Alannah MacTiernan, the Western Australian Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, stated that '[t]his is a great opportunity for the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation to build a sustainable business in their traditional lands and to weave an indigenous tourism component into the fabric of this popular destination' (MacTiernan 2006).

    Worker Accommodation project

    As mentioned above, the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation is to be party to a lease to develop a worker accommodation site. The Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation was also granted $250,000 in January 2006 from the WA Department of Local Government and Regional Development's Regional Investment Fund to assist with the development of worker accommodation in Coral Bay (DLGRD 2006).

    The site is planned to accommodate up to 400 workers in various housing forms and is part of the Ningaloo Coast Regional Strategy adopted by the Carnarvon Shire Council (Council 2006, 14).
  • Outcomes:
    The Government of Western Australia was undertaking various service and infrastructure projects in Coral Bay in 2007, including a new boating facility and power and water supply projects. The Government 'acknowledge[d] the assistance of the Gnulli Native Title Claimants and the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation in planning for the new facilities' (Government of Western Australia 2007).

    Related Entries

    Organisation
  • Yamatji Marlpa Barna Baba Maaja Land and Sea Council
  • State of Western Australia - Signatory
  • Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation - Signatory

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