Native Title
Access to land and marine areas is influenced by Government policy, legislation and community acceptability of mineral resource exploration and development.
The Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) works with Government departments and authorities, conservation bodies, the community and mineral industries, in order to achieve a balance between the needs of all.
Given the involved nature of resource access issues, it is strongly suggested that should further information be required, DMP staff are contacted (see Contacts section)
Responsibilities and Activities
The Department of Mines and Petroleum facilitates access in accordance with relevant legislation and Government policy concerning native title, Aboriginal heritage and land-access planning for exploration, mining, and development of the Western Australia’s mineral resources on all land areas of the State and adjoining coastal waters.
Environmental Policy and Land-use Planning
The Department has two Aboriginal Liaison Officers to assist mineral and petroleum companies gain access to:
• Aboriginal reserves
• Aboriginal freehold and special lease
• Determined native title areas
• Aboriginal owned pastoral leases
• Pastoral leases in Western Australia
• Land containing Aboriginal sites
• Environmentally sensitive areas in Western Australia
The Liaison Officers can also provide advice about a broad range of legislative requirements contained within the:
• Mining Act 1978 (WA)
• Petroleum Act 1967 (WA)
• Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA)
• Native Title Act 1993 (Cwlth)
• Aboriginal Communities Act 1979 (WA)
• Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority Act 1972 (WA)
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (Cwlth)
Aboriginal and Community Consultation
Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) staff are involved in:
Reviewing resource implications of proposed changes to land tenure and purpose
Providing advice to industry and the community and Government concerning access to the conservation estate and other environmentally sensitive lands and waters under State and Commonwealth control
Developing resource policy and reviewing Commonwealth and State policies that could affect access
A number of products have been developed for use by industry and Government in assessing implications of resource development on land-use planning.
