Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion made the announcement at the Northern Land Council meeting in Katherine yesterday.

Mr Scullion said the government’s was committed to finalising unresolved land claims.

About half of the land in the NT has become Aboriginal land in addition to 85 per cent of the coastline.  A large proportion of the remaining land mass is subject to Native Title interests.

“It’s crucial that claims are finalised so that traditional owners can be recognised for their ownership of country, but also to enable them to realise the economic value of their land rights,” Mr Scullion said.

“A comprehensive settlement of claims related to the rights recognised in the Blue Mud Bay decision should involve benefits for traditional owners to participate in commercial fisheries and marine resource management activities.

“That’s why this funding will support claimants to participate in these activities to promote local employment and enterprise.

“The $7.5 million investment will be directed to the Northern Land Council, which will work with traditional owners across its region to allocate funds.

“Even though the Northern Territory Government has not yet offered to settle these land claims, I support the traditional owners of this country and want them to control this fund.”

Although the High Court decision on Blue Mud Bay was handed down nearly a decade ago (2008), there is still a series of outstanding tidal water claims under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976.

These outstanding claims are located in the intertidal zone or the beds and banks of rivers.

“I am keen to see the NT Government match the Commonwealth’s commitment and settle these claims as soon as possible,” Mr Scullion said.

“Traditional owners have every right to be growing frustrated at the lack of progress.

”As with the connection that First Australians have to land, fresh and saltwater country can underpin the social and economic wellbeing of Indigenous communities.” 

NLC chairman Sam Bush-Blanasi said the grant demonstrates a real commitment from the Commonwealth to Aboriginal economic development in northern Australia.

“This is a significant development towards final settlement of the Blue Mud Bay decision.”