The Central Land Council has said it is carrying out its functions under the Native Title Act for the area containing the Angela-Pamela uranium deposit near Alice Springs.

The CLC’s director David Ross said people who have traditional rights over the area have been identified in accordance with the Act and are being consulted.

“Those people are being provided the appropriate information and options under the relevant laws,” Mr Ross said.

“Other members of the public are welcome to comment on the issue but the CLC must listen to those people with rights under native title law.

“During those consultations, all sides of the uranium debate are being presented to people who have traditional rights over the area, including the views of environmental groups, government, theapplicant companies and the uranium mining industry.

“There will always be strong views held on either side of the uranium debate, however, the CLC istasked with providing information to native title holders and to represent their views when a decision is reached,” Mr Ross said.

“The CLC has gone to every effort to ensure that those people with native title interests are involved. It is important to note that the Native Title Act does not provide a right to ‘veto’ the grant of an exploration licence.

“The CLC has told traditional owners that it will support them whatever their decision is,” he said.

Consultations are continuing and the CLC is awaiting instructions from those meetings.