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Walgundu Exploration Agreement

Date: 1 January 1995
Sub Category:Exploration Agreement (Native Title Act)
Place:St Vidgeons Roper River Region
State/Country:Northern Territory, Australia
St Vidgeon Station, a 6,500 sq km pastoral lease bordering the Roper River and the south-eastern boundary of Arnhem Land.
Alternative Names:
  • St Vidgeon Agreement
  • Subject Matter:Employment and Training | Mining and Minerals | Exploration | Native Title | Cultural Heritage | Environmental Heritage | Recognition of Native Title or Traditional Ownership
    Summary Information:
    The Walgundu Agreement was negotiated between the Northern Land Council and CRA (now Rio Tinto) in 1995. It was Australia's first native title related agreement, regarding the St Vidgeon native title application. It was based on goodwill, communication and consultation involving a liaison committee.
    The Agreement allows Rio Tinto to carry out mineral exploration, under negotiation and consultation with the Aboriginal landholders. The Agreement provides for:
    - exploration access for 25 years;
    - work program clearances;
    - sacred site protection;
    - environmental protection and rehabilitation;
    - local training;
    - employment; and
    - a community benefits component.

    On 25th July 2000 the Federal Court held that native title exists in regard to St Vidgeon.

    Related Entries

    Organisation
  • Rio Tinto Exploration Pty Ltd - Signatory
  • Parties as yet unknown - Signatory
  • Northern Land Council
  • People
  • Mara People
  • Alawa People
  • Wandarang People
  • Ngalakan People

  • Glossary

    Exploration Agreement (Native Title Act 1993 (Cth)) (Australia) | Future Act Agreement (Native Title Act 1993 (Cth)) (Australia)

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