Consultation the key to success for all parties

Preliminary discussions are expected to begin shortly on an Indigenous Land Use Agreement between the Martu People and Newcrest Mining Limited. The agreement will identify the long-term roles, responsibilities and benefits for both parties relating to the use of land within Martu country. The decision to begin negotiations was agreed between Martu and Newcrest representatives during a Martu community meeting on the banks of the Nullagine River in September. Normally, two Martu community meetings, sponsored by Newcrest, are held each year to discuss a range of issues. In addition, four meetings
of the Martu Consultative Committee are held annually.

MCC an important link with communities

The Martu Consultative Committee was established in 2003 to monitor agreements between Newcrest Mining Ltd and the Martu, and to consider and recommend further actions designed to maintain and enhance relationships between the Company and its associated communities on various issues as they arise. The MCC comprises representatives of the Martu from the many communities, including Punmu, Parrngurr, Kunawaritji, Jigalong, Parnpajinya, Irrungadji, Goodabinya, Warralong, Strelley, Bidyadanga and Fitzroy Crossing; together with Newcrest’s Community Relations Coordinator and two other Newcrest
representatives. The Committee may also involve the Martu Native Title representative body, the Ngaanyatjarra Council, on request of the Martu, and may invite individuals with particular expertise, such as representatives from Newcrest, and Federal, State and Local Governments and non-government agencies, to assist its deliberations.

The MCC discusses issues related to:

✔ Cultural Programs
✔ Community Development
✔ Education and Training
✔ Employment

Newcrest supports the MCC members with funding to enable them to meet. Newcrest also offers training to equip members with the skills necessary to assist them in making informed and sound decisions. The MCC may create sub-committees from time to time to consider specific issues such as employment and training. As an advisory body, the MCC’s recommendations, though not binding on Newcrest, provide valuable community input into the Company’s Community Relations initiatives and programs.