Why Yindjibarndi leader isn't ready to accept $150m from Andrew Forrest
Yindjibarndi leader Michael Woodley is hesitant to accept a $150 million native title payout from Andrew Forrest's Fortescue. The compensation, the largest in Australian history, is seen by some as inadequate given the cultural and economic losses incurred. Woodley indicates that an appeal may be forthcoming as he seeks justice for his people.
- ▪The Federal Court ruled that Fortescue owed the Yindjibarndi people $150.1 million for mining without a native title agreement.
- ▪Critics argue that the compensation does not reflect the true economic loss, which could exceed $500 million based on resource extraction.
- ▪Woodley emphasizes the need for justice and understanding of the cultural significance of the land.
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Yindjibarndi leader not ready to accept $150m native title payout from Andrew Forrest's FortescueBy Alistair BatesABC PilbaraTopic:Native TitleFri 29 May 2026 at 8:05amFri 29 May 2026 at 8:05amFri 29 May 2026 at 8:05amMichael Woodley says time on country has replenished his resolve. (ABC Pilbara: Alistair Bates)abc.net.au/news/fortescue-native-title-payout-pilbara-traditional-owners/106718124Link copiedShareShare articleOn a clear winter's day in the north of Western Australia, Michael Woodley bends low to scoop water from the Portland River into his mouth.It is a quiet moment more than a fortnight and 1,500 kilometres removed from the frenzied scenes outside the Federal Court in Perth, where his people secured a historic victory against one of Australia's wealthiest men."That's where my…
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