Piper
Alderman partner Sebastian Greene has advised on a 99-year township lease which will help Tiwi Islanders achieve home ownership.
Greene advised the
Tiwi Land Council in their negotiations with the Federal Government for lease
for the communities of Milikapiti (Snake
Bay) and Ranku
(Wurankuwu).
Ministerial approval was granted
by The Hon Jenny Macklin MP on 17 November 2011, with the lease being executed
at the end of November 2011.
"A township lease can help to create
what more closely resembles a normal market economy on Aboriginal communal
land," said Greene, who has been an adviser to the Tiwi Land
Council for many years and was instrumental in the negotiation of the first and
unprecedented lease for the township of Nguiu (Wurrumiyanga) in 2007.
On his most recent visits to the islands, which lay 80km north of Darwin,
Greene said he was "staggered" to see the progress being made at Wurrumiyanga (previously
called Nguiu), where there are now many registered sub-leases.
"It was also quite heartening to listen to people talk
favourably about township leasing," he said. "Generally, the attitude was not 'if'
but 'when'. Their enthusiasm and preparedness to try something different
are strengths from which we can all learn."
Under the 99-year
township lease, the Tiwi Aboriginal Land Trust, at the direction of the Tiwi
Land Council, has granted a 99-year Head Lease to the Executive Director of
Township Leasing (EDTL).
The EDTL can
then grant sub-leases for 99 years or a lesser term (as appropriate), either to
individuals who want to buy or build a home or to businesses.
"Although there is only the one lease, each community has its own
consultative forum. At Nguiu, the Tiwis have found the consultative forum to be
a very successful vehicle for liaison with the Office of Township Leasing,"
said Greene, adding that he felt privileged to be involved in an initiative
which is a key part of providing greater economic independence and
opportunities to Tiwis.
"This will better enable future investment by government and commercial
investors in these communities," he said. "If these communities are successful
at attracting investment in future years, the increased rentals received should
provide substantial benefits to the traditional owners for many years to come.
That is a win-win."
Overall, Greene said he enjoyed the experience of working in
the Tiwi Islands immensely, and found the cultural
differences easy to overcome.
"Clear communication can be challenging, especially when having
to explain something new and complex like a township lease," said Greene, "but
the Tiwis are extraordinarily polite and friendly people. They are also
aspirational."
Tiwis are also AFL fanatics, according to Greene, who said
that "after first asking which team you barrack for, [Tiwis] will then ask you
for your views on last weekend's games or the latest topical issues".
"They absolutely love it," he said.
