The Rirratjiŋu clan has rejected any suggestion it has agreed to join or support a proposed new land council in north-east Arnhem Land, saying it has not been formally consulted about the plan.
Rirratjiŋu Aboriginal Corporation chairman Wanyubi Marika said no authority had been given for the clan to be represented as supporting or participating in the proposed council, announced by senior Gumatj Elder and Yothu Yindi Foundation chair Djawa Yunupiŋu at Garma Festival earlier this month.
“To date, we have not been formally briefed or consulted by those promoting the plan,” Mr Marika said.
The announcement of the proposed Dilak Land Council caught many by surprise, including the Northern Land Council (NLC), which has represented Traditional Owners across the region since the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act came into force in 1976.
The proposal would represent a major change to the Territory's land rights system, which currently has four statutory land councils: the NLC, Central Land Council, Tiwi Land Council and Anindilyakwa Land Council.
The proposed new council would require changes to the existing legal framework and federal approval before it could take on the statutory functions of a land council.
For Rirratjiŋu, however, the immediate priority is preparing for major economic and social changes in the Gove Peninsula as mining comes to an end.
“Rirratjiŋu people have always protected our rights, interests, culture and Country and it is for this reason that matters of significance must be properly discussed by our clan leadership, members and governing bodies before any decision is made,” Mr Marika said.
“Our people are currently navigating an important transition as we move towards a post-mining future.”
Rio Tinto has operated its bauxite mine at Gove for more than 50 years.
The company expects to mine its last bauxite in 2029, bringing an end to an industry that has been central to employment and economic activity around Nhulunbuy and the wider Gove Peninsula.
Mr Marika said Rirratjingu's focus was on making sure the clan and its community were prepared for what comes next.
“Our focus is on supporting this journey and ensuring our community is well positioned for what comes next,” he said.
“As a result, becoming part of a new land council is not a priority for us at this stage.”
Land councils occupy a powerful position in the Territory's Aboriginal economy because of the rights and responsibilities established under the Land Rights Act.
That makes the future of the Gove region particularly significant as Rio Tinto prepares to leave.
The Northern Territory Government has been working with Rirratjiŋu on arrangements intended to give the clan greater control over the future tenure of Nhulunbuy after Rio Tinto's operations end.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the agreement would establish a “long-term, traditional-owner-led tenure model that supports an open town, tradeable titles, and future investment”.
“We have supported Rirratjiŋu, who have clearly said that they want long-term sub-lease arrangements when Rio Tinto concludes its operations in 2029,” she said at Garma Festival earlier this month.
Ms Finocchiaro said the arrangements would provide greater certainty for home ownership, business investment and access to finance.
“The importance of this cannot be glossed over,” she said.
“It is structurally and symbolically critical to the future of this region and acts as a cornerstone decision on which the future will be laid.”
The proposed Dilak Land Council comes against this backdrop of economic transition, with supporters arguing that a new structure could give Yolŋu clans greater control over decisions about land, development and economic opportunities.
But the Rirratjiŋu have said any such decision about joining the body would have to come through the clan's own governance processes.
Mr Marika said Rirratjiŋu's position should be respected and accurately represented.
“Should any proposal be presented to us in the future, it will be considered through our own proper decision-making processes and in accordance with the wishes of our clan members,” he said.
The proposed breakaway council was announced during the 50th anniversary year of the Land Rights Act, a landmark law that formally recognised Aboriginal ownership of large areas of the Territory and established the statutory land council system.
Any change to that system would have consequences well beyond the administration of land.
