The Federal Court of Australia will hold a special hearing in Pine Creek tomorrow to recognise native title rights and interests over the famous mining town.
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This Native Title Determination recognises mostly exclusive native title in and around the town of Pine Creek, covering an area of about 12 square kilometres.
Justice White will recognise exclusive native title over much of the town of Pine Creek.
He will also recognise a right to "access and take resources for any purpose" - i.e. including commercial purposes and not limited to personal or domestic purposes.
This right was first recognised in Borroloola in August 2016.
The native title determination in Pine Creek marks the second time the NT has agreed to recognise this right by consent, following the town of Larrimah determination late last year.
Exclusive possession native title is the highest recognition capable under Australian property law, giving Wagiman and Jawoyn Bolmo, Matjba and Wurrkbarbar native title holders the same rights as private land owners.
Existing roads and private land will not be affected by the determination.
The first native title claim over Pine Creek was lodged 20 years ago.
This will be the first time the Federal Court has sat in Pine Creek.
The ceremony will be held at Heritage Park from 11am.
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