"On face value it looks like a big step in the right direction, but as we all know, the devil is in the detail," Mr Ross told media on Wednesday.
The Northern Territory Government rejected Palatine Energy’s application to mine for oil and gas at Watarrka on Tuesday.
On face value it looks like a big step in the right direction, but as we all know, the devil is in the detail
Traditional owners travelled to Parliament House in Canberra that day to file applications to Environment Minister Greg Hunt to protect their land.
Watarrka National Park is located a few hundred kilometres from Uluru in the Northern Territory.
"After years of unsuccessful advocacy on behalf of the traditional owners we were as surprised at the announcement as the company and, evidently, the NT Chief Minister himself," Mr Ross told media.
Traditional owners have been campaigning for three years against the energy company’s request to mine for oil and gas at Watarrka.
Australia owes you a big debt of gratitude for allowing future generations to continue to enjoy your beautiful country
Mr Ross acknowledged traditional owners as central to the Northern Territory's decision to reject the company’s application to explore and mine Watarrka (Kings Canyon) National Park.
"Australia owes you a big debt of gratitude for allowing future generations to continue to enjoy your beautiful country," CLC Director David Ross told traditional owners on Wednesday.
Traditional owner Julie Clyne told NITV on Tuesday that it was important her country remained "untouched".
“We want to look after it. It's a national park and that's the way we want to keep it. We don't want mining or fracking there.”
