On July 8, 2026, native title holders from eight groups in the Utopia region, located 160 kilometres north of Alice Springs, celebrated a Federal Court determination recognizing their native title rights over more than 4,000 square kilometres.
Justice Stephen Burley traveled to the remote area to hand down the native title consent determination, which includes Mount Skinner and Woodgreen stations. During the ceremony, held on a 20-square kilometre portion where exclusive possession was granted—the strongest type of determination under the Native Title Act—Justice Burley told the gathered crowd, largely of the Anmatyerr language group, "It's a special privilege to see your country."
Central Land Council native title manager Francine McCarthy noted that research for the claim began in 2016, describing the timeframe as relatively short for a Federal Court application. She explained that the determination recognizes Aboriginal peoples' traditional lore and custom, enabling them to exercise these customs and access pastoral leases to practice cultural activities.
Justice Burley highlighted that the determination reflected an agreement among traditional owners, the Northern Territory government, and pastoralists, avoiding "potentially years of legal wrangling." He emphasized the deep, lifelong connection maintained with the land through hunting, gathering bush food and medicine, using water from soakages, hollow trees, and rock holes, and following traditional walking tracks.
The recognition allows traditional owners to access their Country, protect sacred sites, and conduct cultural activities.
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