Burrup and Maitland Industrial Estates Agreement

Background

The State Government entered into the Burrup and Maitland Industrial Estates Agreement Implementation Deed (the Burrup Agreement) with three Aboriginal groups in January 2003.  The Burrup Agreement enabled the State Government to compulsorily acquire any native title rights and interests in the area of the Burrup Peninsula and certain parcels of land near Karratha.  The Burrup Agreement allows for industrial development to progress across southern parts of the Burrup Peninsula, while at the same time establishing a conservation estate and ensuring Aboriginal heritage is protected.
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The Agreement also includes a range of economic and community benefits for the Ngarluma Yindjibarndi, Wong-goo-tt-oo and Yaburara Mardudhunera peoples, including education and training and a stake in future land developments.

Current Progress

The Office of Native Title has been coordinating the implementation of the State Government’s obligations under the Burrup Agreement since January 2003.  To assist in maintaining a ‘whole of Government’ focus to implementation of the Burrup Agreement, the ONT established and facilitates the Burrup Interagency Committee.  The Committee meets regularly and includes representatives from all State Government agencies involved in the implementation of the Burrup Agreement.

Milestones

• In late 2002, the State Government gave a commitment to fund and undertake a study into the effect of industrial emissions on rock art. The State Government appointed consultants to undertake the various studies. In addition, the State Government consulted with members of each Aboriginal group regarding locations for monitoring, and monitoring equipment has been installed. Periodic monitoring began in late 2004. 
• A consultant has been appointed to draft the management plan for the non-industrial land.
• The Ngarda-ngarli Advisory Group was established in July 2004, as a mechanism for assisting the consultant to draft the management plan for the non-industrial land. 
• The cadastral survey over the non-industrial area has been completed and markers have been placed in the ground.  These markers provide clear guidance as to the boundaries between the industrial and non-industrial areas of the Burrup Peninsula.
• The Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation was incorporated on 19 April 2006. The Corporation will manage the benefits that flow from the Agreement on behalf of the Narluma Yindjibarndi, Yaburara Mardudhunera and Wong-goo-tt-oo people.
• The Draft Management Plan for the Burrup Conservation Reserve was released for public comment on 11 July 2006.
• The first benefits to flow from the Agreement, approximately $4 million,  were transferred to the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation on 31 July 2006.  

Government’s Position

The State Government remains committed to implementing all aspects of the Burrup Agreement in a timely and effective manner.