First Goldfields Native Title Claim Dismissed

Originally published 6 February 2007

Yesterday, the Federal Court dismissed the first Goldfields' native title claim to be heard by the Federal Court. The Court found that the claimants could not succeed in their native title applications under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (Act).

Case facts

The Wongatha native title claim covered an area of 160,000 square kilometres north of Kalgoorlie. It was the lead application of eight before the Court for determination. The seven overlapping claims - the Cosmo Newberry, Mantjintjarra Ngalia, Koara, Wutha, Maduwongga and Ngalia Kutjungkatja No.1 and No.2 claims – were also determined to the extent of any overlap with the Wongatha claim area.