CANNING STOCK ROUTE EXPEDITIONS AND PUBLIC ACCESS

Since the last update, our Council was advised that its proposal to establish and operate a permit scheme as a service for our members would be accepted. The scope of the permit scheme offered was enlarged to include all travellers, as requested by the Ngannyatjarra Council Native Title Unit & Western Desert Lands Aboriginal Corporation.

The Canning Stock Route is a public access easement and does not need a permit to travel its length, provided sites subject of aboriginal native title are not entered. The vast majority of travellers however, after researching its history, plan to visit many special sites both along and off the easement. For most but not all of its length, it is about 8 kilometres wide (5 miles). Moving off the track for camping should be limited to less than two kilometres. The Martu people are very concerned about the protection of their native title rights and interests. Their adjoining lands may not be accessed except with a permit.

The permit covers the permit holder and passenger(s) and their nominated vehicle. The permit is non – transferable and allows entry to visit approved sites as listed in the permit package. Details of available and unavailable sites will be supplied with the permit conditions. The permit covers that part of the Canning Stock Route from wells 5 to 40 as at 1st May 2007. Access from the south and north, or through adjacent properties is not provided by this permit and compliance with existing arrangements for passage through these roads and properties is the responsibility of the traveller. There will be two classes of permit and terms of duration. Individual permits are for one month, while commercial tour operators will be issued with a licence for twelve months. Every vehicle entering lands subject of native title must carry a permit.

The launch of the scheme is scheduled for 1st May 2007. Finalisation of on site purchase arrangements may cause a small delay depending upon commissioning checks. The permit, its attached conditions and an information pack will be available for download and printing once your purchase is approved. For those who prefer the package to be mailed to their address, there will be postage charges as appropriate to be added to the purchase.

Travellers on the road can utilize facilities at Wiluna & Kunawarritji Aboriginal Community (near Well 33) to access the ANFWDC site and purchase a permit. Printing costs will be payable to the proprietors at these locations before downloading.

                  Ngaanyatjarra Council Native Title Unit    

                  Lower Ground Floor

                  170 Wellington st

                  East Perth WA 6004

                  PO Box Y3439

                  East St Georges Terrace

                  Perth WA 6832

Please address correspondence to Dr Bill Kruse or Ms Lisa Maher

Updated 12/08/06