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MR: Kenbi offers Larrakia new growth horizons
Friday, 30 January '09
Larrakia Development Corporation has welcomed this week's important advance
The full Board of the Larrakia Development Corporation has welcomed this week's important advance in the long-running saga of the Kenbi Land Claim and would like to congratulate the NLC, Raylene Singh and other members of the Tommy Lyons Group, the broader Larrakia and the NTG in reaching this milestone decision.
Following the decision of Justice Gray in favor of Larrakia claimants eight years ago, issues of detriment to all parties have been settled through negotiations between the NT Government the Northern Land Council, Larrakia with assistance from the Larrakia Development Corporation.
These settlements include public access to the seas along coastal area of the Cox Peninsula and offshore islands.
The Board of the LDC, chaired by Koolpinyah Richard Barnes, is now looking forward to fine-tuning plans to develop employment and commercial opportunities to benefit All Larrakia for Larrakia and other Aboriginal people on the Cox Peninsula, pending the final stage of the Kenbi claim process.
That involves consent by the Federal Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Honourable Jenny Macklin MP, of Mr. Justice Gray's recommendation to grant much of the 600 square kilometer claim area to traditional owners which will benefit All Larrakia.
Over the past seven years, the Larrakia owned and controlled LDC has developed the multi-million dollar Darla subdivisions at Palmerston, set up an award-winning housing company, Larrakia Homes Pty Ltd, and landscaping and steel fabrication ventures.
The Larrakia Development Corporation has already invested in several business ventures on Cox Peninsula, and plans have been developed for other projects.
Part of the profits from the LDC's commercial ventures have been distributed to ALL Larrakia families via its Distribution Policy includes payments for funerals; senior Larrakia people living expenses; scholarships; business loans; first home buyer assistance and community development projects.
This year the Larrakia Development Corporation will be developing a trades training centre for Larrakia and other aboriginal youngsters in conjunction with a prominent Secondary College. Chairman Koolpinyah Barnes said the project and financial experience gained by the Corporation can be further utilised when the Kenbi process is finalized.
"The Board looks forward to working for all Larrakia on new commercial opportunities on the Cox Peninsula, as well as continuing with our Darwin projects," Mr Barnes said.
CONTACT: CEO Greg Constantine can arrange interviews on TN 8947 34 55
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