GRAFTON Aboriginal Land Council members have expressed their "extreme disappointment" at the way their state body has consulted about mineral exploration licence applications.
In a prepared statement, members of the Grafton Ngerrie Local Aboriginal Land Council said while its members were open to capitalising on economic development opportunities to fund the socio-economic needs of the local Aboriginal community, they did so under the direction of its members as required under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act.
Last month the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) announced it had lodged petroleum exploration licence applications covering about half the state, including large areas in the Clarence Valley and the North Coast.
NSW Aboriginal Land Council chief executive officer Geoff Scott said the state body wanted a "seat at the table" of the resources sector.
But members of the Grafton Ngerrie Local Aboriginal Land Council (GNLALC) said bodies such as theirs were autonomous and incorporated under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983.
"Our functions are separate from NSWALC.
The Daily Examiner
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