Court opens path to Adani ILUA
The Federal Court has rejected a native title group’s move to stop Adani Australia from registering an Indigenous land use agreement (ILUA) for its Carmichael coal project.
The Wangan and Jagalingou group had appealed a court decision against its application to extend an interim injunction, which was filed after Adani entered a surrender process in an attempt to start construction of the proposed mine.
But the the court dismissed the application earlier this month and has now blocked an appeal of that decision.
Adani has welcomed the Federal Court decision, saying it would pave the way for the granting of interests in land detailed in its ILUA.
“We recognise the Traditional Owners of the land, including the Wangan and Jagalingou people,” the company said in a statement.
“We have listened to and worked closely with traditional owners over many years to agree the terms of the ILUA and to ensure the Carmichael project will deliver jobs, training and business opportunities for traditional owners.
“Adani respects the strength and leadership of the Wangan and Jagalingou people and their long-term vision to create economic opportunities for their people.”
Adani says it will have an Indigenous employment target of 7.5 per cent, and will also provide $250 million for indigenous business development and contracting, as well as a $7.5 million Indigenous training package that includes a target of 10 per cent Indigenous trainees at Carmichael.