The decision gave traditional owners exclusive access rights to waters which lie on their land — also known as intertidal zones.

The NT Government has been negotiating with Indigenous groups ever since to retain access for anglers, a big economic driver for the NT.

Groups like the Northern Land Council have said they do not want to exclude people but want to keep autonomy over those areas.

Suggestions have been made over the years that fishos should pay through permits to access the areas.

Pastoral industries are also involved in the negotiations.

The decision applies to most of the NT coastline and is held up to be one of the most important Aboriginal land rights decisions in Australian history.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion today joined traditional owners in East Arnhem Land to mark the 10th anniversary of the decision.

“Today we reflect on the significance of the High Court’s decision and look to a future where Aboriginal people are able to use their rights to support economic development and a better future,” said Minister Scullion.  

“I am committed to supporting the resolution of unresolved land claims to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are recognised for their ownership of country, and can realise its economic value, and to ensure that all Territorians have certainty about the future use of their land.

Since 2008, there have been protracted negotiations between the Northern Territory Government and the Northern Land Council regarding commercial and recreational access to the waters overlying existing Aboriginal land. 

“Last year the Federal Government invested $7.5 million to support traditional owners in the Northern Land Council region to finalise land claims affected by the Blue Mud Bay decision.

“At that time I called on the Chief Minister, the Hon Michael Gunner MLA, to step up and work with the Northern Land Council but sadly we are yet to see any real action from the Chief Minister.

“Therefore, I ask the Chief Minister again, when will the Northern Territory Government make progress towards providing certainty and enable the economic opportunities for all Territorians?”