❓ A parliamentary question regarding the sale of land in Newman to Grandtown Pty Ltd for $1, questioning the commercial rationale, the recipient of the land transfer, and the due diligence conducted on the company's development capabilities. The Minister defends the sale as part of a native title compensation settlement.
AnsweredQoN 599Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
NEWMAN FREEHOLD LAND SALE — Nyiyaparli people
I refer to the minister’s decision to sell freehold title to the 10 hectare site at lot 511 Kalgan Drive, Newman, to Grandtown Pty Ltd, for the price of one dollar. (1) Why did the minister not seek to sell this valuable piece of land at commercial rates? (2) Why was the land transferred to Grandtown Pty Ltd and not Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd, as stipulated in the letter of intent, as signed by the minister? (3) What due diligence did the minister do to support the statement in his media release of 4 February 2010 that Grandtown Pty Ltd was an experienced land developer? (4) What due diligence did the minister do to satisfy himself that Grandtown Pty Ltd could actually complete the “$42 million development that would significantly benefit the Newman community”, as stated in his media release? Mr B.J. GRYLLS
I refer to the minister’s decision to sell freehold title to the 10 hectare site at lot 511 Kalgan Drive, Newman, to Grandtown Pty Ltd, for the price of one dollar. (1) Why did the minister not seek to sell this valuable piece of land at commercial rates? (2) Why was the land transferred to Grandtown Pty Ltd and not Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd, as stipulated in the letter of intent, as signed by the minister? (3) What due diligence did the minister do to support the statement in his media release of 4 February 2010 that Grandtown Pty Ltd was an experienced land developer? (4) What due diligence did the minister do to satisfy himself that Grandtown Pty Ltd could actually complete the “$42 million development that would significantly benefit the Newman community”, as stated in his media release? Mr B.J. GRYLLS
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Victoria Park for the question and for notice of the question, which has allowed me to give him some more detail. (1)–(4) The member’s first question was: why did the government not seek to sell this valuable piece of land at commercial rates? I really want to make sure that this is clear. I believe that we did sell the land at commercial rates, but it was part of a compensation settlement over a larger native title negotiation for parts of the Newman town site. The state government received crown land with native title removed to allow us to develop the land. The Nyiyaparli people received some freehold land in exchange for that. The notion that we did not sell it at commercial rates is wrong. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Did the Nyiyaparli people receive it? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The member’s second question was: why was the land transferred to Grandtown and not to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd as stipulated in the letter of intent as signed by me? The member is suggesting that my letter of intent stated that the land should be transferred to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli. The statement of intent signed by me on 12 August 2010 to the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation, which represents the Nyiyaparli native title claimants, does not refer to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd. It states only that 10 hectares of crown reserve 40411 is to be transferred in freehold title to Nyiyaparli at $1 to facilitate a residential and commercial development by Nyiyaparli, and the transfer of title is to be effected as soon as possible after the lifting of native title objections over the development sites attached to the letter. My letter of intent does not refer to any of those companies that the member has suggested in his question. I was advised by the Department of Regional Development and Lands that the Nyiyaparli people had nominated this group as their joint venture partner, and the department satisfied itself that there was no reason for me to oppose that joint venture. The fourth part of the question was similar to the third part. I inform the house that I have written to Nyiyaparli to assure them that the state will honour its original commitment to ensure that land is available to them. The Department of Regional Development and Lands has met with representatives of Grandtown, Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation and the former special administrator appointed by the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations to try to rectify the matter which has been raised and which is of great concern to the Nyiyaparli people. It is my intention to continue to work to resolve this situation to honour the original intentions of this agreement.
(1) Why did the minister not seek to sell this valuable piece of land at commercial rates? (2) Why was the land transferred to Grandtown Pty Ltd and not Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd, as stipulated in the letter of intent, as signed by the minister? (3) What due diligence did the minister do to support the statement in his media release of 4 February 2010 that Grandtown Pty Ltd was an experienced land developer? (4) What due diligence did the minister do to satisfy himself that Grandtown Pty Ltd could actually complete the “$42 million development that would significantly benefit the Newman community”, as stated in his media release? Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: I thank the member for Victoria Park for the question and for notice of the question, which has allowed me to give him some more detail. (1)–(4) The member’s first question was: why did the government not seek to sell this valuable piece of land at commercial rates? I really want to make sure that this is clear. I believe that we did sell the land at commercial rates, but it was part of a compensation settlement over a larger native title negotiation for parts of the Newman town site. The state government received crown land with native title removed to allow us to develop the land. The Nyiyaparli people received some freehold land in exchange for that. The notion that we did not sell it at commercial rates is wrong. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Did the Nyiyaparli people receive it? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The member’s second question was: why was the land transferred to Grandtown and not to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd as stipulated in the letter of intent as signed by me? The member is suggesting that my letter of intent stated that the land should be transferred to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli. The statement of intent signed by me on 12 August 2010 to the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation, which represents the Nyiyaparli native title claimants, does not refer to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd. It states only that 10 hectares of crown reserve 40411 is to be transferred in freehold title to Nyiyaparli at $1 to facilitate a residential and commercial development by Nyiyaparli, and the transfer of title is to be effected as soon as possible after the lifting of native title objections over the development sites attached to the letter. My letter of intent does not refer to any of those companies that the member has suggested in his question. I was advised by the Department of Regional Development and Lands that the Nyiyaparli people had nominated this group as their joint venture partner, and the department satisfied itself that there was no reason for me to oppose that joint venture. The fourth part of the question was similar to the third part. I inform the house that I have written to Nyiyaparli to assure them that the state will honour its original commitment to ensure that land is available to them. The Department of Regional Development and Lands has met with representatives of Grandtown, Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation and the former special administrator appointed by the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations to try to rectify the matter which has been raised and which is of great concern to the Nyiyaparli people. It is my intention to continue to work to resolve this situation to honour the original intentions of this agreement.
(2) Why was the land transferred to Grandtown Pty Ltd and not Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd, as stipulated in the letter of intent, as signed by the minister? (3) What due diligence did the minister do to support the statement in his media release of 4 February 2010 that Grandtown Pty Ltd was an experienced land developer? (4) What due diligence did the minister do to satisfy himself that Grandtown Pty Ltd could actually complete the “$42 million development that would significantly benefit the Newman community”, as stated in his media release? Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: I thank the member for Victoria Park for the question and for notice of the question, which has allowed me to give him some more detail. (1)–(4) The member’s first question was: why did the government not seek to sell this valuable piece of land at commercial rates? I really want to make sure that this is clear. I believe that we did sell the land at commercial rates, but it was part of a compensation settlement over a larger native title negotiation for parts of the Newman town site. The state government received crown land with native title removed to allow us to develop the land. The Nyiyaparli people received some freehold land in exchange for that. The notion that we did not sell it at commercial rates is wrong. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Did the Nyiyaparli people receive it? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The member’s second question was: why was the land transferred to Grandtown and not to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd as stipulated in the letter of intent as signed by me? The member is suggesting that my letter of intent stated that the land should be transferred to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli. The statement of intent signed by me on 12 August 2010 to the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation, which represents the Nyiyaparli native title claimants, does not refer to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd. It states only that 10 hectares of crown reserve 40411 is to be transferred in freehold title to Nyiyaparli at $1 to facilitate a residential and commercial development by Nyiyaparli, and the transfer of title is to be effected as soon as possible after the lifting of native title objections over the development sites attached to the letter. My letter of intent does not refer to any of those companies that the member has suggested in his question. I was advised by the Department of Regional Development and Lands that the Nyiyaparli people had nominated this group as their joint venture partner, and the department satisfied itself that there was no reason for me to oppose that joint venture. The fourth part of the question was similar to the third part. I inform the house that I have written to Nyiyaparli to assure them that the state will honour its original commitment to ensure that land is available to them. The Department of Regional Development and Lands has met with representatives of Grandtown, Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation and the former special administrator appointed by the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations to try to rectify the matter which has been raised and which is of great concern to the Nyiyaparli people. It is my intention to continue to work to resolve this situation to honour the original intentions of this agreement.
(3) What due diligence did the minister do to support the statement in his media release of 4 February 2010 that Grandtown Pty Ltd was an experienced land developer? (4) What due diligence did the minister do to satisfy himself that Grandtown Pty Ltd could actually complete the “$42 million development that would significantly benefit the Newman community”, as stated in his media release? Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: I thank the member for Victoria Park for the question and for notice of the question, which has allowed me to give him some more detail. (1)–(4) The member’s first question was: why did the government not seek to sell this valuable piece of land at commercial rates? I really want to make sure that this is clear. I believe that we did sell the land at commercial rates, but it was part of a compensation settlement over a larger native title negotiation for parts of the Newman town site. The state government received crown land with native title removed to allow us to develop the land. The Nyiyaparli people received some freehold land in exchange for that. The notion that we did not sell it at commercial rates is wrong. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Did the Nyiyaparli people receive it? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The member’s second question was: why was the land transferred to Grandtown and not to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd as stipulated in the letter of intent as signed by me? The member is suggesting that my letter of intent stated that the land should be transferred to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli. The statement of intent signed by me on 12 August 2010 to the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation, which represents the Nyiyaparli native title claimants, does not refer to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd. It states only that 10 hectares of crown reserve 40411 is to be transferred in freehold title to Nyiyaparli at $1 to facilitate a residential and commercial development by Nyiyaparli, and the transfer of title is to be effected as soon as possible after the lifting of native title objections over the development sites attached to the letter. My letter of intent does not refer to any of those companies that the member has suggested in his question. I was advised by the Department of Regional Development and Lands that the Nyiyaparli people had nominated this group as their joint venture partner, and the department satisfied itself that there was no reason for me to oppose that joint venture. The fourth part of the question was similar to the third part. I inform the house that I have written to Nyiyaparli to assure them that the state will honour its original commitment to ensure that land is available to them. The Department of Regional Development and Lands has met with representatives of Grandtown, Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation and the former special administrator appointed by the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations to try to rectify the matter which has been raised and which is of great concern to the Nyiyaparli people. It is my intention to continue to work to resolve this situation to honour the original intentions of this agreement.
(4) What due diligence did the minister do to satisfy himself that Grandtown Pty Ltd could actually complete the “$42 million development that would significantly benefit the Newman community”, as stated in his media release? Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: I thank the member for Victoria Park for the question and for notice of the question, which has allowed me to give him some more detail. (1)–(4) The member’s first question was: why did the government not seek to sell this valuable piece of land at commercial rates? I really want to make sure that this is clear. I believe that we did sell the land at commercial rates, but it was part of a compensation settlement over a larger native title negotiation for parts of the Newman town site. The state government received crown land with native title removed to allow us to develop the land. The Nyiyaparli people received some freehold land in exchange for that. The notion that we did not sell it at commercial rates is wrong. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Did the Nyiyaparli people receive it? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The member’s second question was: why was the land transferred to Grandtown and not to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd as stipulated in the letter of intent as signed by me? The member is suggesting that my letter of intent stated that the land should be transferred to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli. The statement of intent signed by me on 12 August 2010 to the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation, which represents the Nyiyaparli native title claimants, does not refer to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd. It states only that 10 hectares of crown reserve 40411 is to be transferred in freehold title to Nyiyaparli at $1 to facilitate a residential and commercial development by Nyiyaparli, and the transfer of title is to be effected as soon as possible after the lifting of native title objections over the development sites attached to the letter. My letter of intent does not refer to any of those companies that the member has suggested in his question. I was advised by the Department of Regional Development and Lands that the Nyiyaparli people had nominated this group as their joint venture partner, and the department satisfied itself that there was no reason for me to oppose that joint venture. The fourth part of the question was similar to the third part. I inform the house that I have written to Nyiyaparli to assure them that the state will honour its original commitment to ensure that land is available to them. The Department of Regional Development and Lands has met with representatives of Grandtown, Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation and the former special administrator appointed by the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations to try to rectify the matter which has been raised and which is of great concern to the Nyiyaparli people. It is my intention to continue to work to resolve this situation to honour the original intentions of this agreement.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: I thank the member for Victoria Park for the question and for notice of the question, which has allowed me to give him some more detail. (1)–(4) The member’s first question was: why did the government not seek to sell this valuable piece of land at commercial rates? I really want to make sure that this is clear. I believe that we did sell the land at commercial rates, but it was part of a compensation settlement over a larger native title negotiation for parts of the Newman town site. The state government received crown land with native title removed to allow us to develop the land. The Nyiyaparli people received some freehold land in exchange for that. The notion that we did not sell it at commercial rates is wrong. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Did the Nyiyaparli people receive it? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The member’s second question was: why was the land transferred to Grandtown and not to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd as stipulated in the letter of intent as signed by me? The member is suggesting that my letter of intent stated that the land should be transferred to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli. The statement of intent signed by me on 12 August 2010 to the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation, which represents the Nyiyaparli native title claimants, does not refer to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd. It states only that 10 hectares of crown reserve 40411 is to be transferred in freehold title to Nyiyaparli at $1 to facilitate a residential and commercial development by Nyiyaparli, and the transfer of title is to be effected as soon as possible after the lifting of native title objections over the development sites attached to the letter. My letter of intent does not refer to any of those companies that the member has suggested in his question. I was advised by the Department of Regional Development and Lands that the Nyiyaparli people had nominated this group as their joint venture partner, and the department satisfied itself that there was no reason for me to oppose that joint venture. The fourth part of the question was similar to the third part. I inform the house that I have written to Nyiyaparli to assure them that the state will honour its original commitment to ensure that land is available to them. The Department of Regional Development and Lands has met with representatives of Grandtown, Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation and the former special administrator appointed by the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations to try to rectify the matter which has been raised and which is of great concern to the Nyiyaparli people. It is my intention to continue to work to resolve this situation to honour the original intentions of this agreement.
I thank the member for Victoria Park for the question and for notice of the question, which has allowed me to give him some more detail. (1)–(4) The member’s first question was: why did the government not seek to sell this valuable piece of land at commercial rates? I really want to make sure that this is clear. I believe that we did sell the land at commercial rates, but it was part of a compensation settlement over a larger native title negotiation for parts of the Newman town site. The state government received crown land with native title removed to allow us to develop the land. The Nyiyaparli people received some freehold land in exchange for that. The notion that we did not sell it at commercial rates is wrong. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Did the Nyiyaparli people receive it? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The member’s second question was: why was the land transferred to Grandtown and not to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd as stipulated in the letter of intent as signed by me? The member is suggesting that my letter of intent stated that the land should be transferred to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli. The statement of intent signed by me on 12 August 2010 to the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation, which represents the Nyiyaparli native title claimants, does not refer to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd. It states only that 10 hectares of crown reserve 40411 is to be transferred in freehold title to Nyiyaparli at $1 to facilitate a residential and commercial development by Nyiyaparli, and the transfer of title is to be effected as soon as possible after the lifting of native title objections over the development sites attached to the letter. My letter of intent does not refer to any of those companies that the member has suggested in his question. I was advised by the Department of Regional Development and Lands that the Nyiyaparli people had nominated this group as their joint venture partner, and the department satisfied itself that there was no reason for me to oppose that joint venture. The fourth part of the question was similar to the third part. I inform the house that I have written to Nyiyaparli to assure them that the state will honour its original commitment to ensure that land is available to them. The Department of Regional Development and Lands has met with representatives of Grandtown, Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation and the former special administrator appointed by the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations to try to rectify the matter which has been raised and which is of great concern to the Nyiyaparli people. It is my intention to continue to work to resolve this situation to honour the original intentions of this agreement.
(1)–(4) The member’s first question was: why did the government not seek to sell this valuable piece of land at commercial rates? I really want to make sure that this is clear. I believe that we did sell the land at commercial rates, but it was part of a compensation settlement over a larger native title negotiation for parts of the Newman town site. The state government received crown land with native title removed to allow us to develop the land. The Nyiyaparli people received some freehold land in exchange for that. The notion that we did not sell it at commercial rates is wrong. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Did the Nyiyaparli people receive it? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The member’s second question was: why was the land transferred to Grandtown and not to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd as stipulated in the letter of intent as signed by me? The member is suggesting that my letter of intent stated that the land should be transferred to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli. The statement of intent signed by me on 12 August 2010 to the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation, which represents the Nyiyaparli native title claimants, does not refer to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd. It states only that 10 hectares of crown reserve 40411 is to be transferred in freehold title to Nyiyaparli at $1 to facilitate a residential and commercial development by Nyiyaparli, and the transfer of title is to be effected as soon as possible after the lifting of native title objections over the development sites attached to the letter. My letter of intent does not refer to any of those companies that the member has suggested in his question. I was advised by the Department of Regional Development and Lands that the Nyiyaparli people had nominated this group as their joint venture partner, and the department satisfied itself that there was no reason for me to oppose that joint venture. The fourth part of the question was similar to the third part. I inform the house that I have written to Nyiyaparli to assure them that the state will honour its original commitment to ensure that land is available to them. The Department of Regional Development and Lands has met with representatives of Grandtown, Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation and the former special administrator appointed by the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations to try to rectify the matter which has been raised and which is of great concern to the Nyiyaparli people. It is my intention to continue to work to resolve this situation to honour the original intentions of this agreement.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : Did the Nyiyaparli people receive it? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The member’s second question was: why was the land transferred to Grandtown and not to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd as stipulated in the letter of intent as signed by me? The member is suggesting that my letter of intent stated that the land should be transferred to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli. The statement of intent signed by me on 12 August 2010 to the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation, which represents the Nyiyaparli native title claimants, does not refer to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd. It states only that 10 hectares of crown reserve 40411 is to be transferred in freehold title to Nyiyaparli at $1 to facilitate a residential and commercial development by Nyiyaparli, and the transfer of title is to be effected as soon as possible after the lifting of native title objections over the development sites attached to the letter. My letter of intent does not refer to any of those companies that the member has suggested in his question. I was advised by the Department of Regional Development and Lands that the Nyiyaparli people had nominated this group as their joint venture partner, and the department satisfied itself that there was no reason for me to oppose that joint venture. The fourth part of the question was similar to the third part. I inform the house that I have written to Nyiyaparli to assure them that the state will honour its original commitment to ensure that land is available to them. The Department of Regional Development and Lands has met with representatives of Grandtown, Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation and the former special administrator appointed by the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations to try to rectify the matter which has been raised and which is of great concern to the Nyiyaparli people. It is my intention to continue to work to resolve this situation to honour the original intentions of this agreement.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The member’s second question was: why was the land transferred to Grandtown and not to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd as stipulated in the letter of intent as signed by me? The member is suggesting that my letter of intent stated that the land should be transferred to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli. The statement of intent signed by me on 12 August 2010 to the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation, which represents the Nyiyaparli native title claimants, does not refer to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd. It states only that 10 hectares of crown reserve 40411 is to be transferred in freehold title to Nyiyaparli at $1 to facilitate a residential and commercial development by Nyiyaparli, and the transfer of title is to be effected as soon as possible after the lifting of native title objections over the development sites attached to the letter. My letter of intent does not refer to any of those companies that the member has suggested in his question. I was advised by the Department of Regional Development and Lands that the Nyiyaparli people had nominated this group as their joint venture partner, and the department satisfied itself that there was no reason for me to oppose that joint venture. The fourth part of the question was similar to the third part. I inform the house that I have written to Nyiyaparli to assure them that the state will honour its original commitment to ensure that land is available to them. The Department of Regional Development and Lands has met with representatives of Grandtown, Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation and the former special administrator appointed by the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations to try to rectify the matter which has been raised and which is of great concern to the Nyiyaparli people. It is my intention to continue to work to resolve this situation to honour the original intentions of this agreement.
I was advised by the Department of Regional Development and Lands that the Nyiyaparli people had nominated this group as their joint venture partner, and the department satisfied itself that there was no reason for me to oppose that joint venture. The fourth part of the question was similar to the third part. I inform the house that I have written to Nyiyaparli to assure them that the state will honour its original commitment to ensure that land is available to them. The Department of Regional Development and Lands has met with representatives of Grandtown, Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation and the former special administrator appointed by the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations to try to rectify the matter which has been raised and which is of great concern to the Nyiyaparli people. It is my intention to continue to work to resolve this situation to honour the original intentions of this agreement.
The fourth part of the question was similar to the third part. I inform the house that I have written to Nyiyaparli to assure them that the state will honour its original commitment to ensure that land is available to them. The Department of Regional Development and Lands has met with representatives of Grandtown, Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation and the former special administrator appointed by the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations to try to rectify the matter which has been raised and which is of great concern to the Nyiyaparli people. It is my intention to continue to work to resolve this situation to honour the original intentions of this agreement.
(1) Why did the minister not seek to sell this valuable piece of land at commercial rates? (2) Why was the land transferred to Grandtown Pty Ltd and not Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd, as stipulated in the letter of intent, as signed by the minister? (3) What due diligence did the minister do to support the statement in his media release of 4 February 2010 that Grandtown Pty Ltd was an experienced land developer? (4) What due diligence did the minister do to satisfy himself that Grandtown Pty Ltd could actually complete the “$42 million development that would significantly benefit the Newman community”, as stated in his media release? Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: I thank the member for Victoria Park for the question and for notice of the question, which has allowed me to give him some more detail. (1)–(4) The member’s first question was: why did the government not seek to sell this valuable piece of land at commercial rates? I really want to make sure that this is clear. I believe that we did sell the land at commercial rates, but it was part of a compensation settlement over a larger native title negotiation for parts of the Newman town site. The state government received crown land with native title removed to allow us to develop the land. The Nyiyaparli people received some freehold land in exchange for that. The notion that we did not sell it at commercial rates is wrong. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Did the Nyiyaparli people receive it? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The member’s second question was: why was the land transferred to Grandtown and not to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd as stipulated in the letter of intent as signed by me? The member is suggesting that my letter of intent stated that the land should be transferred to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli. The statement of intent signed by me on 12 August 2010 to the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation, which represents the Nyiyaparli native title claimants, does not refer to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd. It states only that 10 hectares of crown reserve 40411 is to be transferred in freehold title to Nyiyaparli at $1 to facilitate a residential and commercial development by Nyiyaparli, and the transfer of title is to be effected as soon as possible after the lifting of native title objections over the development sites attached to the letter. My letter of intent does not refer to any of those companies that the member has suggested in his question. I was advised by the Department of Regional Development and Lands that the Nyiyaparli people had nominated this group as their joint venture partner, and the department satisfied itself that there was no reason for me to oppose that joint venture. The fourth part of the question was similar to the third part. I inform the house that I have written to Nyiyaparli to assure them that the state will honour its original commitment to ensure that land is available to them. The Department of Regional Development and Lands has met with representatives of Grandtown, Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation and the former special administrator appointed by the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations to try to rectify the matter which has been raised and which is of great concern to the Nyiyaparli people. It is my intention to continue to work to resolve this situation to honour the original intentions of this agreement.
(2) Why was the land transferred to Grandtown Pty Ltd and not Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd, as stipulated in the letter of intent, as signed by the minister? (3) What due diligence did the minister do to support the statement in his media release of 4 February 2010 that Grandtown Pty Ltd was an experienced land developer? (4) What due diligence did the minister do to satisfy himself that Grandtown Pty Ltd could actually complete the “$42 million development that would significantly benefit the Newman community”, as stated in his media release? Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: I thank the member for Victoria Park for the question and for notice of the question, which has allowed me to give him some more detail. (1)–(4) The member’s first question was: why did the government not seek to sell this valuable piece of land at commercial rates? I really want to make sure that this is clear. I believe that we did sell the land at commercial rates, but it was part of a compensation settlement over a larger native title negotiation for parts of the Newman town site. The state government received crown land with native title removed to allow us to develop the land. The Nyiyaparli people received some freehold land in exchange for that. The notion that we did not sell it at commercial rates is wrong. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Did the Nyiyaparli people receive it? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The member’s second question was: why was the land transferred to Grandtown and not to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd as stipulated in the letter of intent as signed by me? The member is suggesting that my letter of intent stated that the land should be transferred to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli. The statement of intent signed by me on 12 August 2010 to the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation, which represents the Nyiyaparli native title claimants, does not refer to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd. It states only that 10 hectares of crown reserve 40411 is to be transferred in freehold title to Nyiyaparli at $1 to facilitate a residential and commercial development by Nyiyaparli, and the transfer of title is to be effected as soon as possible after the lifting of native title objections over the development sites attached to the letter. My letter of intent does not refer to any of those companies that the member has suggested in his question. I was advised by the Department of Regional Development and Lands that the Nyiyaparli people had nominated this group as their joint venture partner, and the department satisfied itself that there was no reason for me to oppose that joint venture. The fourth part of the question was similar to the third part. I inform the house that I have written to Nyiyaparli to assure them that the state will honour its original commitment to ensure that land is available to them. The Department of Regional Development and Lands has met with representatives of Grandtown, Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation and the former special administrator appointed by the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations to try to rectify the matter which has been raised and which is of great concern to the Nyiyaparli people. It is my intention to continue to work to resolve this situation to honour the original intentions of this agreement.
(3) What due diligence did the minister do to support the statement in his media release of 4 February 2010 that Grandtown Pty Ltd was an experienced land developer? (4) What due diligence did the minister do to satisfy himself that Grandtown Pty Ltd could actually complete the “$42 million development that would significantly benefit the Newman community”, as stated in his media release? Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: I thank the member for Victoria Park for the question and for notice of the question, which has allowed me to give him some more detail. (1)–(4) The member’s first question was: why did the government not seek to sell this valuable piece of land at commercial rates? I really want to make sure that this is clear. I believe that we did sell the land at commercial rates, but it was part of a compensation settlement over a larger native title negotiation for parts of the Newman town site. The state government received crown land with native title removed to allow us to develop the land. The Nyiyaparli people received some freehold land in exchange for that. The notion that we did not sell it at commercial rates is wrong. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Did the Nyiyaparli people receive it? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The member’s second question was: why was the land transferred to Grandtown and not to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd as stipulated in the letter of intent as signed by me? The member is suggesting that my letter of intent stated that the land should be transferred to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli. The statement of intent signed by me on 12 August 2010 to the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation, which represents the Nyiyaparli native title claimants, does not refer to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd. It states only that 10 hectares of crown reserve 40411 is to be transferred in freehold title to Nyiyaparli at $1 to facilitate a residential and commercial development by Nyiyaparli, and the transfer of title is to be effected as soon as possible after the lifting of native title objections over the development sites attached to the letter. My letter of intent does not refer to any of those companies that the member has suggested in his question. I was advised by the Department of Regional Development and Lands that the Nyiyaparli people had nominated this group as their joint venture partner, and the department satisfied itself that there was no reason for me to oppose that joint venture. The fourth part of the question was similar to the third part. I inform the house that I have written to Nyiyaparli to assure them that the state will honour its original commitment to ensure that land is available to them. The Department of Regional Development and Lands has met with representatives of Grandtown, Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation and the former special administrator appointed by the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations to try to rectify the matter which has been raised and which is of great concern to the Nyiyaparli people. It is my intention to continue to work to resolve this situation to honour the original intentions of this agreement.
(4) What due diligence did the minister do to satisfy himself that Grandtown Pty Ltd could actually complete the “$42 million development that would significantly benefit the Newman community”, as stated in his media release? Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: I thank the member for Victoria Park for the question and for notice of the question, which has allowed me to give him some more detail. (1)–(4) The member’s first question was: why did the government not seek to sell this valuable piece of land at commercial rates? I really want to make sure that this is clear. I believe that we did sell the land at commercial rates, but it was part of a compensation settlement over a larger native title negotiation for parts of the Newman town site. The state government received crown land with native title removed to allow us to develop the land. The Nyiyaparli people received some freehold land in exchange for that. The notion that we did not sell it at commercial rates is wrong. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Did the Nyiyaparli people receive it? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The member’s second question was: why was the land transferred to Grandtown and not to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd as stipulated in the letter of intent as signed by me? The member is suggesting that my letter of intent stated that the land should be transferred to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli. The statement of intent signed by me on 12 August 2010 to the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation, which represents the Nyiyaparli native title claimants, does not refer to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd. It states only that 10 hectares of crown reserve 40411 is to be transferred in freehold title to Nyiyaparli at $1 to facilitate a residential and commercial development by Nyiyaparli, and the transfer of title is to be effected as soon as possible after the lifting of native title objections over the development sites attached to the letter. My letter of intent does not refer to any of those companies that the member has suggested in his question. I was advised by the Department of Regional Development and Lands that the Nyiyaparli people had nominated this group as their joint venture partner, and the department satisfied itself that there was no reason for me to oppose that joint venture. The fourth part of the question was similar to the third part. I inform the house that I have written to Nyiyaparli to assure them that the state will honour its original commitment to ensure that land is available to them. The Department of Regional Development and Lands has met with representatives of Grandtown, Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation and the former special administrator appointed by the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations to try to rectify the matter which has been raised and which is of great concern to the Nyiyaparli people. It is my intention to continue to work to resolve this situation to honour the original intentions of this agreement.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: I thank the member for Victoria Park for the question and for notice of the question, which has allowed me to give him some more detail. (1)–(4) The member’s first question was: why did the government not seek to sell this valuable piece of land at commercial rates? I really want to make sure that this is clear. I believe that we did sell the land at commercial rates, but it was part of a compensation settlement over a larger native title negotiation for parts of the Newman town site. The state government received crown land with native title removed to allow us to develop the land. The Nyiyaparli people received some freehold land in exchange for that. The notion that we did not sell it at commercial rates is wrong. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Did the Nyiyaparli people receive it? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The member’s second question was: why was the land transferred to Grandtown and not to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd as stipulated in the letter of intent as signed by me? The member is suggesting that my letter of intent stated that the land should be transferred to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli. The statement of intent signed by me on 12 August 2010 to the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation, which represents the Nyiyaparli native title claimants, does not refer to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd. It states only that 10 hectares of crown reserve 40411 is to be transferred in freehold title to Nyiyaparli at $1 to facilitate a residential and commercial development by Nyiyaparli, and the transfer of title is to be effected as soon as possible after the lifting of native title objections over the development sites attached to the letter. My letter of intent does not refer to any of those companies that the member has suggested in his question. I was advised by the Department of Regional Development and Lands that the Nyiyaparli people had nominated this group as their joint venture partner, and the department satisfied itself that there was no reason for me to oppose that joint venture. The fourth part of the question was similar to the third part. I inform the house that I have written to Nyiyaparli to assure them that the state will honour its original commitment to ensure that land is available to them. The Department of Regional Development and Lands has met with representatives of Grandtown, Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation and the former special administrator appointed by the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations to try to rectify the matter which has been raised and which is of great concern to the Nyiyaparli people. It is my intention to continue to work to resolve this situation to honour the original intentions of this agreement.
I thank the member for Victoria Park for the question and for notice of the question, which has allowed me to give him some more detail. (1)–(4) The member’s first question was: why did the government not seek to sell this valuable piece of land at commercial rates? I really want to make sure that this is clear. I believe that we did sell the land at commercial rates, but it was part of a compensation settlement over a larger native title negotiation for parts of the Newman town site. The state government received crown land with native title removed to allow us to develop the land. The Nyiyaparli people received some freehold land in exchange for that. The notion that we did not sell it at commercial rates is wrong. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Did the Nyiyaparli people receive it? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The member’s second question was: why was the land transferred to Grandtown and not to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd as stipulated in the letter of intent as signed by me? The member is suggesting that my letter of intent stated that the land should be transferred to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli. The statement of intent signed by me on 12 August 2010 to the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation, which represents the Nyiyaparli native title claimants, does not refer to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd. It states only that 10 hectares of crown reserve 40411 is to be transferred in freehold title to Nyiyaparli at $1 to facilitate a residential and commercial development by Nyiyaparli, and the transfer of title is to be effected as soon as possible after the lifting of native title objections over the development sites attached to the letter. My letter of intent does not refer to any of those companies that the member has suggested in his question. I was advised by the Department of Regional Development and Lands that the Nyiyaparli people had nominated this group as their joint venture partner, and the department satisfied itself that there was no reason for me to oppose that joint venture. The fourth part of the question was similar to the third part. I inform the house that I have written to Nyiyaparli to assure them that the state will honour its original commitment to ensure that land is available to them. The Department of Regional Development and Lands has met with representatives of Grandtown, Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation and the former special administrator appointed by the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations to try to rectify the matter which has been raised and which is of great concern to the Nyiyaparli people. It is my intention to continue to work to resolve this situation to honour the original intentions of this agreement.
(1)–(4) The member’s first question was: why did the government not seek to sell this valuable piece of land at commercial rates? I really want to make sure that this is clear. I believe that we did sell the land at commercial rates, but it was part of a compensation settlement over a larger native title negotiation for parts of the Newman town site. The state government received crown land with native title removed to allow us to develop the land. The Nyiyaparli people received some freehold land in exchange for that. The notion that we did not sell it at commercial rates is wrong. Mr B.S. Wyatt : Did the Nyiyaparli people receive it? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The member’s second question was: why was the land transferred to Grandtown and not to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd as stipulated in the letter of intent as signed by me? The member is suggesting that my letter of intent stated that the land should be transferred to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli. The statement of intent signed by me on 12 August 2010 to the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation, which represents the Nyiyaparli native title claimants, does not refer to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd. It states only that 10 hectares of crown reserve 40411 is to be transferred in freehold title to Nyiyaparli at $1 to facilitate a residential and commercial development by Nyiyaparli, and the transfer of title is to be effected as soon as possible after the lifting of native title objections over the development sites attached to the letter. My letter of intent does not refer to any of those companies that the member has suggested in his question. I was advised by the Department of Regional Development and Lands that the Nyiyaparli people had nominated this group as their joint venture partner, and the department satisfied itself that there was no reason for me to oppose that joint venture. The fourth part of the question was similar to the third part. I inform the house that I have written to Nyiyaparli to assure them that the state will honour its original commitment to ensure that land is available to them. The Department of Regional Development and Lands has met with representatives of Grandtown, Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation and the former special administrator appointed by the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations to try to rectify the matter which has been raised and which is of great concern to the Nyiyaparli people. It is my intention to continue to work to resolve this situation to honour the original intentions of this agreement.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : Did the Nyiyaparli people receive it? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The member’s second question was: why was the land transferred to Grandtown and not to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd as stipulated in the letter of intent as signed by me? The member is suggesting that my letter of intent stated that the land should be transferred to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli. The statement of intent signed by me on 12 August 2010 to the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation, which represents the Nyiyaparli native title claimants, does not refer to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd. It states only that 10 hectares of crown reserve 40411 is to be transferred in freehold title to Nyiyaparli at $1 to facilitate a residential and commercial development by Nyiyaparli, and the transfer of title is to be effected as soon as possible after the lifting of native title objections over the development sites attached to the letter. My letter of intent does not refer to any of those companies that the member has suggested in his question. I was advised by the Department of Regional Development and Lands that the Nyiyaparli people had nominated this group as their joint venture partner, and the department satisfied itself that there was no reason for me to oppose that joint venture. The fourth part of the question was similar to the third part. I inform the house that I have written to Nyiyaparli to assure them that the state will honour its original commitment to ensure that land is available to them. The Department of Regional Development and Lands has met with representatives of Grandtown, Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation and the former special administrator appointed by the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations to try to rectify the matter which has been raised and which is of great concern to the Nyiyaparli people. It is my intention to continue to work to resolve this situation to honour the original intentions of this agreement.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The member’s second question was: why was the land transferred to Grandtown and not to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd as stipulated in the letter of intent as signed by me? The member is suggesting that my letter of intent stated that the land should be transferred to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli. The statement of intent signed by me on 12 August 2010 to the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation, which represents the Nyiyaparli native title claimants, does not refer to Grandtown Karlka Nyiyaparli Pty Ltd. It states only that 10 hectares of crown reserve 40411 is to be transferred in freehold title to Nyiyaparli at $1 to facilitate a residential and commercial development by Nyiyaparli, and the transfer of title is to be effected as soon as possible after the lifting of native title objections over the development sites attached to the letter. My letter of intent does not refer to any of those companies that the member has suggested in his question. I was advised by the Department of Regional Development and Lands that the Nyiyaparli people had nominated this group as their joint venture partner, and the department satisfied itself that there was no reason for me to oppose that joint venture. The fourth part of the question was similar to the third part. I inform the house that I have written to Nyiyaparli to assure them that the state will honour its original commitment to ensure that land is available to them. The Department of Regional Development and Lands has met with representatives of Grandtown, Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation and the former special administrator appointed by the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations to try to rectify the matter which has been raised and which is of great concern to the Nyiyaparli people. It is my intention to continue to work to resolve this situation to honour the original intentions of this agreement.
I was advised by the Department of Regional Development and Lands that the Nyiyaparli people had nominated this group as their joint venture partner, and the department satisfied itself that there was no reason for me to oppose that joint venture. The fourth part of the question was similar to the third part. I inform the house that I have written to Nyiyaparli to assure them that the state will honour its original commitment to ensure that land is available to them. The Department of Regional Development and Lands has met with representatives of Grandtown, Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation and the former special administrator appointed by the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations to try to rectify the matter which has been raised and which is of great concern to the Nyiyaparli people. It is my intention to continue to work to resolve this situation to honour the original intentions of this agreement.
The fourth part of the question was similar to the third part. I inform the house that I have written to Nyiyaparli to assure them that the state will honour its original commitment to ensure that land is available to them. The Department of Regional Development and Lands has met with representatives of Grandtown, Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation and the former special administrator appointed by the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations to try to rectify the matter which has been raised and which is of great concern to the Nyiyaparli people. It is my intention to continue to work to resolve this situation to honour the original intentions of this agreement.
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