Permit System

The mine, refinery and township of Nhulunbuy are located on the Gove Peninsula on leasehold land within the boundaries of Aboriginal freehold land. This means the Aboriginal traditional owners are our landlords.

There are approximately 1,700 indigenous people of numerous clans living in the N/E Arnhem Land region. The 5 main clans are Gumatj, Rirratjingu, Djapu, Madarrpa and Dhalwangu. Gumatj and Rirratjingu are the traditional owners of the land in the area of the leases. Aboriginal-owned land is private land. While you are free to move about the town and industrial leases at will, if you wish to leave the leases for recreation purposes you MUST obtain a recreation permit. Unauthorised entry onto Aboriginal land can result in a fine of up to $1000.00.

The permit system helps to make Aboriginal land accessible to tourists, visitors and workers. It also protects the privacy of Aboriginal people, takes care of the environment and promotes safety. There are many areas, which are considered sacred or significant, and the system helps visitors to avoid causing offence or disrupting cultural activities.

Permit Information - Yirrkala

No permit is required to visit the Buku Larrngay Art Centre, however a permit is required for the Yirrkala boat ramp and other areas around Yirrkala. The system is monitored with a windscreen sticker being allocated to the permit holder. This can be obtained from the Yirrkala Dhanbul Community Association Council office during business hours of 7.30am - 4.00pm Monday to Friday, Telephone (08) 8987 3433.

 
Printable Version