Traditional Owners, Comalco and Government

Sign Historic AgreementCape York Partnerships 14/3/01 An historic agreement recognising and respecting the inherent Native Title rights of Traditional Owners and allowing for future development of mining operations on Western Cape York Peninsula was signed in Weipa on this day. Signatories to the Western Cape Communities Co-existence Agreement included representatives of 11 Traditional Owner Groups associated with land covering the Comalco lease, the Cape York Land Council, Comalco, representatives from the four indigenous community councils (Aurukun, Napranum, Mapoon and New Mapoon) and the Queensland Government. This agreement follows five years of discussions amongst traditional owners,local councils,Cape York Land Council and Comalco and is founded on mutual recognition and support for community and mining development. The traditional Owner groups are the Alngith, Anathangayth, Ankamuthi, Peppan, Taepadhighi, Thanikwithi, Tjungundji, Warranggu, Wathayn, Wik &Wik-Way and Yupungathi. Key aspects of the Agreement include; $4 million annual payment to a Trust managed by community representatives to fund the following economic development and training initiatives

The annual payment includes a State Government contribution of $1.5 million;

• Recognition and support for Traditional Owner Groups and their claims for Native Title;

Relinquishment of parts of the Comalco lease no longer required for mining;

Cultural heritage plans and site protection plans,and cultural awareness training for all Comalco staff and principal contractors in Weipa.

Registration of the agreement as an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) under the Native Title Act 1993

Partnerships News /Edition 5 $2,500,000 each year (minimum)to Western Cape Communities Trust for projects benefiting TO ’s and the Western Cape communities (Amount will increase with increases in Weipa production and with higher aluminium prices) $500,000 annual Comalco expenditure on employment,training and youth educational programs

Support for Community development including Indigenous business enterprises and establishment of outstations on suitable areas of the mining lease Recognition for the TO ’s of land where the Weipa Township is established (unlike other areas of the Comalco lease,this area remains under continuing use and development)

Transfer of the 1325 square kilometre Sudley pastoral property to the Iunthan Traditional Owners (70 kilometers east of Weipa for possible uses including an agricultural training centre for Cape York indigenous youth.