Following three decades of hard work by Payarri Traditional Owners, an award of exclusive native title covering land in Western Australia’s Northern Goldfields region has been granted by the Federal Court.
This marks the 125th consent determination recognising native title in the state and means that native title now covers more than three quarters of Western Australia.
According to the WA Government, the development has come after more than three years of negotiation between the State and Payarri Traditional Owners.
The determination covers approximately 3,702 square kilometres of land, for which the Payarri Aboriginal Corporation will become the registered native title body corporate.
Naglia man Kado Muir, wrote on LinkedIn that “Today, we celebrate a significant milestone on the long road to recognition and justice: the Payarri native title determination”.
“This journey has demanded focus, resilience, and unity. As lead applicant, I know the dedication and hard work it takes to bring a case like this to finalisation.
“I am deeply grateful for the patience and understanding of my family, and for the support of everyone who stood with us.
“This determination is more than a legal outcome — it’s a testament to the power of sustained action, momentum, and cultural continuity. It honours our connection to Country and our commitment to future generations,” he added.
Speaking with the ABC, Muir said that it was 31 years ago that he first consulted with two elders and a solicitor to examine lodging a native title claim.
“The process has been one of navigating through legal decisions, political ramifications, commercial interactions, and then of course within the community itself,” he said. “It’s been quite a journey.”
WA Aboriginal Affairs Minister, Don Punch, said that “Twenty-five years after Western Australia’s first consent determination, I congratulate the Payarri Native Title holders on this significant achievement.
“The WA Government acknowledges the 125th consent determination recognising native title in Western Australia and looks forward to building an enduring and collaborative relationship with the Payarri Aboriginal Corporation.
“Our government is committed to working with Traditional Owners to resolve native title matters through collaboration and agreement-making.”
