Sydney Morning Herald [Australia]

12/22/04

Almost 25 years after a protest against petroleum drilling on Western Australia's Noonkanbah station became a symbol of the struggle for land rights, Aboriginal people have been recognised as the traditional owners. Deputy Premier Eric Ripper said on Wednesday state Cabinet had endorsed an agreement that recognised the Noonkanbah people as the traditional owners of their 1811 square kilometre native title claim in the west Kimberley region.

Noonkanbah station made front-page news in 1980 when Aboriginal people from all over Australia rallied to prevent a petroleum company drilling in the area of a sacred site. Despite their efforts, the drilling was only delayed. It went ahead the next year with state government support...

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Informant: Thomas L. Knapp