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At 11.30am (CST) today, a hearing of the Federal Court ofAustralia, at Finniss Springs Station near Lake Eyre, willofficially award the Arabana People the entire lake and the areasbetween Oodnadatta, Coober Pedy and Marree, under a native titleclaim. Under the consent order of the Federal Court, the native titleclaim over the township of Marree, population 70, will be lifted tocomplete the swap, which has been 14 years in the making. The chairman of the Arabana Aboriginal Corporation, Aaron Stuart,said the significance of today's Federal Court hearing could not beunderestimated and Lake Eyre and the land surrounding it was beingreturned to the care of its rightful owners. "Lake Eyre is a sacred and significant place to all Arabanapeople," he said. "We care for that land and the lake and we want to see theland protected. This does not mean that we object to tourists ...we are happy to share our country." The invitation to share Lake Eyre, however, is not extended to boatusers who have sailed on the lake during rare times of flood. Andthe native title claim also gives the Arabana people negotiatingpowers with mining giants for facilities, services and royalties. "We are happy for people to come and enjoy this land and thelake, swim in it and see its beauty, but we do not want boats onthe lake," Mr Stuart said. "We want the site protectedand we want the whole of the lake protected .. we also worry aboutsafety with boats." Mr Stuart said the Arabana people got back Finniss Springs Station,once a mission site, and a long-term pastoral lease on the propertywhich would be central to plans to establish tourism operations anda community. They have also been given eight blocks in Marree, which will becomeCrown land. Marree Hotel publican Phil Turner said: "Historically, therecognition of the native title is incredibly significant and is apoint in history. "I think if there's any concern it's that there's a generallack of understanding among all people about what it allmeans," he said. Mr Stuart said ceremonies such as today's, expected to be attendedby up to 300 people, were a great step in the process ofreconciliation. We are high quality suppliers, our products such as Wire Mesh Cage , Metal Wire Shelving for oversee buyer. To know more, please visits Wire Security Cages.
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