Wajarri Yamaji Aboriginal Corporation hosts roadshow over Square Kilometre Array Project

Wajarri elders had their say on the Square Kilometre Array telescope project in the Murchison at a roadshow of community workshops. The Wajarri Yamaji Aboriginal Corporation visited Mid West towns to discuss the international project to build the world’s largest radio telescope, eventually to be spread out over a square kilometre — or one million square metres. WYAC communications manager Jane Davies said the workshop discussions in Carnarvon, Geraldton, Perth, Mullewa and Meekatharra last month and this month were constructive, robust and spirited. She said it was gratifying to see so many community elders joining the conversation to have their say. “WYAC and the Minangu Land Committee is in negotiations with the Commonwealth and the roadshow was an opportunity for some of the committee to get out to community to tell them how the talks are progressing and get feedback about options for the Benefit Management System (BMS),“ Mrs Davies said. That system allocates payments from the Commonwealth for use of the land while creating employment opportunities and allowing Wajarri people to be involved in the construction and running of the facility. WYAC and Land Committee Chairperson Jennylyn Hamlett and Minangu Land Committee members Gail Simpson, Julie Jones and Anthony Dann all made presentations to each group, supported by Rayleen Clayton-Bonney and Carlleen Dingo from the Geraldton Wajarri Community Office. There are more than 4000 WYAC members, including children, located across Australia, most living in Geraldton, Carnarvon and Perth. WYAC CEO Graham O’Dell said the Wajarri people were working collaboratively with the Commonwealth to progress the internationally significant project on Wajarri Yamaji country — the benefit of which would be felt worldwide and for all Wajarri people. “I commend the negotiation team on their professional and conscientious approach to negotiations to ensure important heritage sites are protected and the Wajarri Yamaji peoples’ culture is recognised,” Mr O’Dell said. Further workshops are planned as negotiations progress. The Wajarri Yamatji native title claim covers almost 85,000sqkm of land in the Murchison and Gascoyne and consists of four land groups.