CLC applauds first train north
Central Land Council Director David Ross today congratulated everyone involved in making the Adelaide to Darwin railway a reality.
"The Alice to Darwin railway has had a significant impact on Aboriginal people in Central Australia and the Central Land Councils involvement has spanned more than 20 years.
The railway runs through a number of Aboriginal Land Trusts and land where native title exists.
"Aboriginal people are keen to see the Territory develop and it is important to recognise the extensive consultations and negotiations which Aboriginal people participated in b to grant access to parts of their land for the railway corridor," Mr Ross said.
"The granting of land access for the development of the railway to go ahead involved many Aboriginal; people over the years and now, they too are truly proud of their contribution to this massive project.
"From our point of view, it hasn't always been an easy process but the Central land Council put in a lot of hard work to resolve some difficult issues and we are pleased to be standing here today witnessing the train heading north.
16 January 2004
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