The NLC recognizes the five years of hard work by the NLC’s Sea Country Working Group Working along with the Northern Territory Government, the Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the NT, the NT Seafood Council, and the NT Guided Fishing Industry Association as key industry bodies.
Most importantly, this work was done with and on behalf of the first nations people that have rights, interests and responsibilities along the more than 6,000 kilometres of Territory coastline.
It is timely that we celebrate this agreement on the eve of the 11th anniversary of the 2008 High Court decision in the case bought by the Blue Mud Bay traditional owners.
This is an historic day that shows that when first nations people are given the resources, support and recognition by government and industry we can reach agreement of very complex matters. For all traditional owners this is an example of Makarrata at work and we hope that government and the people of the NT will embrace our willingness to reach agreement for the benefit of all Territorians.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
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