Rebuilding Land Rights in the Hunter region

15 March, 2010

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Rebuilding land rights in the Hunter region

Statement by Geoff Scott, CEO of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council

15 March 2010

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) has formally begun the process of rebuilding land rights in the Hunter region following the dissolution on Friday of the Koompahtoo Local Aboriginal Land Council (KLALC).

At this stage, NSWALC is still unaware of the extent and scope of the transfer of assets and liabilities from the dissolution of the former land council. We expect the full picture to come to light over the next few days and weeks.

Our immediate priority is the people directly affected by the dissolution - the six former staff of the land council, and the tenants in its five properties.

The process of establishing a way forward is going to take some months, not weeks.

In that time, we will ensure any assets transferred to NSWALC will be protected for the future benefit of Aboriginal people. Any liabilities that are transferred to NSWALC will be discharged in a way that best minimizes the impact on Aboriginal people across NSW.

We will endeavour to keep people informed of our progress.

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Media contact: Chris Graham 0407 555 328

Acknowledgement

We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners of the lands where we work as well as across the lands we travel through. We also acknowledge our Elders past, present and emerging.

Artwork Credit: Craig Cromelin, from a painting he did titled, "4 favourite fishing holes". It is a snippet of his growing years on the Lachlan River, featuring yabby, turtle, fish and family.

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