I would assume that they have been in discussions with the TOs but they need to get all there ducks in a row before they can commence the formal application process (environmental approvals/ land tenure / ect). The thing is 4 months (if thats what it is) is nothing for a native title agreement. I'm heavily invested here and want this to happen as quickly as possible but I dont think I'm being pessimistic when I say we could be waiting a long time. I hope I'm wrong but realistically we could be years away from settling.
From the ALRC:
"The National Native Title Tribunal reported that, between 1 January 1994 and 31 December 2011, the average time taken to reach a consent determination was six years and three months."
It's a bit old but I doubt things have changed much. And thats just the average, the same report speaks of one project that took 17 years!
I'd love to hear peoples opinions on why they think this should happen more quickly.
@dugsab @Red Adair @gassed @towie