Central Land Council

Permits

Transit permit
Media (News of the Day) Permit
Entry Permit
Special Purpose Permit
Mining exploration
MAP OF ROADS REQUIRING PERMITS

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The previous Australian government made changes to how permits apply inside communities. The main changes are that permits are not required to enter ‘common areas' (areas generally considered to be public space), or to attend a court case, inside communities.

These changes legally came into effect on 18 February 2008.

The new Australian government's policy is to abolish these changes but allow permit free access for journalists and contractors. At this stage it is not clear when that policy might be implemented.

During this interim period, the CLC requests that all visitors to Aboriginal land comply with the CLC's permit system as outlined below, notwithstanding that the legal position has changed with regard to certain community access.

Regardless of any government changes, a permit is legally required to visit any Aboriginal land outside of communities . Also see the CLC map for which access roads require a permit.

The CLC thanks all visitors for cooperation with this request of traditional owners to continue to follow the principle of asking permission before entering Aboriginal land. If you have any questions about the permit system please contact the CLC on permits@clc.org.au or (08) 8951 6320.

Transit Permit

online here

This allows you to travel through Aboriginal land on the Tjukaruru ( Docker River ), Kintore, Sandy Blight and Glen Helen-Papunya roads. Note

Note: the Mereenie Tour Pass which includes a Mereenie Loop transit permit is not available online but at Alice Springs Tourist Office, Hermannsburg, Glen Helen, Kings Canyon and CLC for $2.20. Camping and off road access are prohibited. Permits issued the same day.
more information

Media (News of the Day) Permit

online here

This allows entry for media coverage of news of the day stories on Aboriginal land. Media can use this permit to attend court hearings on Aboriginal land. Permits processed on a needs basis.

Entry Permit

online here

This allows entry to a designated area of Aboriginal land or an Aboriginal community for a specific purpose and period of time. Permits will generally require consultations with Aboriginal landowners and may take one week or longer to process.

Special Purpose Permit

online here

This allows entry for projects on Aboriginal land for conducting research on anthropology, linguistics or archaeology, or activities on the environment, tourism or filming. Applications for special purpose permits need to allow at least one month for processing because extensive consultations with Aboriginal landowners may be required. Before applying please read the special purpose permits information here.

Mining exploration or access permit

online here

MAP OF ROADS REQUIRING PERMITS

download pdf

This map shows which roads and communities require a permit. Please read general information below. Any queries please contact the Central Land Council on +61 (08) 8951 6320 or permits@clc.org.au .

General Permits Information

Aboriginal land is privately owned

Like other landowners in Australia , Aboriginal people have the legal right to grant or refuse permission to people wishing to enter or travel through their land. The permit system is also designed to help protect the privacy of Aboriginal communities, encourage Aboriginal people to be involved in projects on their land, preserve Aboriginal culture, safeguard the natural environment, and promote visitor safety.

Are permits legally required?

Yes. Commonwealth and Northern Territory law says that entry to Aboriginal land requires a written permit. Unauthorised entry to Aboriginal land in the Northern Territory can result in a fine of up to $1000. Permit holders also need to respect the cultural and intellectual property rights of Aboriginal people, particularly in relation to photographs of people

What is Aboriginal land?

Aboriginal land is land for which Aboriginal people hold inalienable freehold title under the Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act 1976 . Aboriginal Land Councils have the statutory responsibility to consult with Aboriginal landowners about issuing permits to travel across or enter Aboriginal land.

A considerable part of the Northern Territory is Aboriginal freehold land and requires a permit to enter. This map shows which areas in the CLC area are Aboriginal land.

When will I need a permit?

If you wish to:

1. Enter Aboriginal land for any purpose
2. Travel by road through Aboriginal land (Note: this does not apply to public roads),
3. Enter or visit an Aboriginal community (Note: some exceptions apply)

then you will need to apply for a permit.

Please note that permit requirements apply to all persons visiting Aboriginal communities for work or other purposes on a short or long term basis. This includes travellers, tourists, contractors, hawkers and representatives of any group or company or agency. Government employees do not require permits for work purposes.

Which roads are public roads?

• Barkly Hwy
• Buchanan Hwy (Dunmarra to WA Border)
• Finke Road (Kulgera to Aputula)
• Larapinta Drive to Papunya Road
• Larapinta Drive ( Alice Springs to Areyonga*)
• Lasseter Hwy ( Stuart Highway to Yulara)
• Namatjira Drive
• Old Andado Road ( Alice Springs to Old Andado via Santa Teresa)
• Old South Stuart Highway Palm Valley Road (Hermannsburg to Palm Valley )
• Alice Springs to Aputula
• Papunya Road ( Tanami Road to Papunya* via Narwietooma)
• Plenty Highway ( Stuart Highway to Queensland border)
• Sandover Highway ( Plenty Highway to Queensland border)
• Simpsons Gap National Park Access Road
• Standley Chasm Access Road
• Stuart Highway
• Tanami Road ( Stuart Highway to WA border, via Yuendumu)
• Tanami Mine Lajamanu Road

* Please note that permits are required to visit Areyonga and Papunya communities.

What other roads do not require a permit?

• Kata Tjuta Road (within Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park )
• Boggy Hole (via Hermannsburg and Ellery Creek )

What if I just want to buy fuel?

You may visit the following community stores on Aboriginal land without a permit for the purpose of buying fuel and supplies:

• Yuendumu on Tanami Road
• Hermannsburg (Ntaria) on Larapinta Drive , and
• Utopia (Arlparra) and Ampilatwatja on the Sandover Highway .

You may also visit the art centre and heritage precinct in Hermannsburg and the Warlukurlangu Art Centre in Yuendumu without a permit.

What if I am travelling into SA or WA?

If you intend to enter the Anangu Pitjantjatjara lands in South Australia you need to call Anangu Pitjantjatjara Land Council on 8954 8104 regarding a permit. If you intend to enter the Ngaanyatjarra lands in Western Australia you need to call Ngaanyatjarra Council on 8950 1711 .

Want to check conditions of the roads?

Road conditions in the Territory can change rapidly. To check road conditions call 1800 246 199 (within Australia ) or check online at www.roadreport.nt.gov.au .

For more information on safe driving visit http://www.nt.gov.au/transport/safety/road/priorities/visitor/drivingtips.shtml

Need help?

To find out if you will need a permit for your planned trip please consult this map. The map shows which roads and communities require a permit. If you are not sure please contact the Central Land Council on +61 (08) 8951 6320 or permits@clc.org.au .

Applying for a Permit

How do I apply for a permit?

You can apply for a permit online above. Forms may be downloaded from the website. Alternatively, the CLC Permit Officer will provide you with a permit application form upon request. Please fill in the necessary details. Permits may be emailed or faxed to you.

Do people travelling with me in the same vehicle all require separate permits?

No. People travelling together in the same vehicle are included on a single permit. This is issued to the nominated driver of the vehicle. The names of all passengers must be listed on your permit application.

Is there a charge?

No. All permits are issued free of charge. Please note: A charge of $2.20 applies for the Mereenie Tour Pass booklet to recover printing costs.

What if I break down?

In the event of accident or breakdown stay with your vehicle and stay in the shade.

Still have questions?

Please contact the Central Land Council on +61 (08) 8951 6320 or permits@clc.org.au .