Kariyarra people benefit from land agreement in Hedland, Grylls
Author: Brendon Grylls
Published on: 08-August-2011
Better outcomes for the Kariyarra people and moving closer to the Pilbara Cities vision today took another positive step with the signing of an agreement in Port Hedland.
Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls said the signing of the South Hedland Native Title agreement marked an important step towards bringing significant benefits to the traditional owners and the State of Western Australia.
“The agreement helps us move towards the Pilbara Cities Vision and it forms the basis of a strong and successful relationship with the Kariyarra people,” Mr Grylls said.
The Pilbara Cities Vision is to create modern vibrant cities and regional centres to support and deliver a skilled workforce for major economic projects in the region.
The Minister said the traditional owners would be given access to land for housing and other purposes and the State Government would be able to continue to release land for development in line with its growth plans for the region.
“Traditional owners of the land may extend their capacity through housing and business opportunities to provide a source of income for future developments,” he said.
“The agreement unlocks huge potential for people in the Pilbara and all of WA.
“Among other things, it allows the State to continue with a future port expansion plan to further support the mining industry.”
In addition to the port site, other land in and around the South Hedland Town site area has been made available for development.
Projects planned for South Hedland include:
• South Hedland Land Release Stage 1 and 2 encompassing more than 50ha of land
• LandCorp South Hedland Town Centre redevelopment Stage 2 and future housing development
• Department of Housing - continuation of the New Living Program
• further land releases for private sector development
• development to address the short and long-term needs of industry for port expansion projects.
