THE Northern Territory Government says it has reached an historic agreement with the Tiwi Land Council to allow permit-free access to key fishing areas off Bathurst and Melville Island, as well as the Vernon Islands.
“This deal supports the fishing business aspirations of Tiwi Traditional Owners, while also benefiting recreational and commercial fishers. It is a win-win for the local community and Territory fishers,” Chief Minister Adam Giles said.
“The new agreement brings an end to permit fishing off the coast which was introduced in the wake of the Blue Mud Bay High Court decision in 2008. The terms reflect the strength of the relationship between the Territory Government, the Tiwi Land Council and the local community.
“The agreement will grant recreational and commercial fishers, as well as fishing tour operators permit-free access to inter-tidal waters around the southern and eastern regions of Melville and Bathurst Islands, as well as the Vernon Islands.”
Tiwi-owned fishing tourism business, Tiwi Islands Adventures, will have exclusive access to the north of Melville Island and the western side of Bathurst Island.
“This will create an opportunity for the Tiwi to grow their fishing business, while also providing commercial and recreational fishers permit-free access to other parts of the islands,” local Member for Arafura Francis Xavier Kurrupuwu said.
“This is another example of the Territory Government, Land Councils and Traditional Owners working together for the benefit of all Territorians.”
A permit will be required to use the land-based fishing camps which will be available through the Tiwi Land Council.
Visitors will also be permitted to visit townships of Wurrumiyanga and Pirlangimpi where they may be able to buy fuel and supplies and visit the art gallery, pumping money into the local economy.
Enforceable boundaries with GPS coordinates have been agreed around rivers and creeks in the exclusive access areas.
The 20-year agreement includes:
- A total of $135,000 a year to support the Marine Ranger Program
- A commitment to enhance the powers of Marine Rangers
- A one-off $30 000 payment to build a new recreational fishing camp
- An enhanced Aboriginal coastal licence for community members
- A Code of Conduct to ensure visitors respect the rights of Traditional Owners
“Unlike Labor, we want to support Tiwi Islanders to grow their own local economic opportunities, develop tourism and fishing businesses and create jobs so that they can break the cycle of welfare dependency,” Mr Giles said.
The Tiwi agreement is one of six Blue Mud Bay Fishing access agreements now endorsed by the Federal Government.
Agreements have also been reached for the Upper Daly River, Daly River mouth to Cape Ford, McArthur River/ Sir Edward Pellew Group of Islands, Minimini/Murgenella, Nhulunbuy and Wadeye.
The Territory Government is now working with the Northern Land Council to negotiate the remaining agreements.
