Local indigenous groups benefit from Karratha land release, Grylls.

Author: Brendon Grylls
Published on: 28-January-2010

Lands Minister Brendon Grylls today presented the titles for almost $7million worth of land in Karratha to the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, saying it was a major win for local indigenous groups and the town of Karratha.

Mr Grylls said the transfer of land fulfilled obligations under the Burrup Maitland Industrial Estates Agreement (BMIEA), allowing the State Government to free up much needed land in Karratha, while also improving the lives of the local indigenous people.

“The BMIEA agreement between the State and Murujuga allows us to develop land subject to native title in Karratha,” he said

“In return for allowing development on land in and around Karratha, the Murujuga are receiving land they can develop, which will also play a significant role in ensuring the futures of local indigenous groups.”

In handing over the Certificates of Title for 21 residential lots at Baynton West and a light industrial lot in Karratha’s LIA to Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation chair Michelle Adams, the Minister said the entire Karratha community would benefit from this ongoing partnership.

Mr Grylls said the Government was fast-tracking many initiatives to release more land for housing in a variety of forms.

“Recent offers to the private sector to develop apartments and grouped housing sites in Karratha, as well as future super lot opportunities, means we are moving closer to our aim of ensuring Karratha is a strong, vibrant community where people want to settle permanently,” he said.

The Minister said the development program at the Baynton West residential estate had also been sped up with all 800 lots accommodating 1,100 homes to be built by the end of 2010, only 30 months after subdivision approval.

The next Baynton West land release would occur in May this year.