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. |
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| Alternative Names: | St Vidgeon Agreement
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| 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. |
