Stated purpose:
The Wild Rivers (Environmental Management) Bill 2010 (Cth) was tabled in the House of Representatives on 8 February 2010. The Bill is described as ‘an act to protect the interests of Aboriginal traditional owners in the management, development and use of native title land situated in wild river areas, and for related purposes’.
The Bill is a private member's bill. In November 2010, the Bill was referred to the House Standing Committee on Economics. The Committee conducted the 'Inquiry into Indigenous economic development in Queensland and advisory report on the Wild Rivers (Environmental Management) Bill 2010' and tabled a report on 12 May 2011. The inquiry received 39 submissions.
The Committee made a number of recommendations relating to Indigenous economic development, economic development in Cape York, and ultimately recommended that the House not pass the Bill. The recommendations focused on addressing Indigenous disadvantage by pursuing place based initiatives for economic participation in Cape York. The Australian, Queensland and local governments should continue to support small business development, infrastructure and investment programs, Indigenous training and employment, and partner with the mining industry to facilitate training and employment and facilitate increased Indigenous workforce participation.
In relation to the Wild Rivers Act 2005 (Qld), the committee recommended that the Queensland government strengthen its consultation and engagement framework and provides information to Indigenous communities and individuals which assists them in understanding the operation of the Wild Rivers Act 2005 (Qld). Lastly, that the Queensland government's Cape York Sustainable Communities initiative should be developed and extended to service Indigenous peoples throughout Queensland on issues relating to economic development including involvement in the Wild Rivers Act consultation process.
This Bill did not proceed.
Native title implications:
The Bill applies to all land and waters in Queensland regardless of whether there has been a native title determination. The Bill provides that Queensland legislation in relation to wild rivers continues to operate and additionally requires that the consent of Aboriginal traditional owners be obtained before the state legislation can apply.
Relevant provisions:
s 5 Agreement of traditional owners required
The development or use of native title land in a wild river area cannot be regulated under the relevant Queensland legislation unless the Aboriginal traditional owners of the land agree.