Yindjibarndi leader rejects $150m payment from Andrew Forrest after court ruling

The Yindjibarndi people secured

a $150.1 million court ruling against Fortescue, a mining company that destroyed 140 heritage sites and caused immense cultural distress.

Michael Woodley, a Yindjibarndi man, has spent two decades fighting for his people's rights. As the leader of the Yindjibarndi Ngurra Aboriginal Corporation (YNAC), he oversees the distribution of compensation to Yindjibarndi members. Woodley has been at the forefront of the Yindjibarndi's battle against Fortescue, which has had a devastating impact on their land and culture.

The Federal Court ruling last month found that Fortescue owed the Yindjibarndi people $150.1 million. The amount was calculated based on the freehold value of the 135 square kilometres covered by Fortescue's Solomon Hub. This open-cut mine features three ore deposits, fleets of heavy machinery, dusty red-dirt roads, and rows upon rows of fly-in, fly-out demountables. The site's sheer scale is a stark reminder of the Yindjibarndi people's losses.

The Yindjibarndi people's economic loss was estimated at $100,000. However, a more accurate calculation would suggest that the figure is actually above $500 million. Woodley has expressed frustration with the low amount, stating that it does not cover the damage done to their land and culture.

Fortescue chief executive officer Dino Otranto welcomed the court's decision, saying the company looked forward to "turning the page" on the relationship. However, Woodley has rejected the payment, stating that the Yindjibarndi people will appeal the decision. The appeal could take up to 18 months to resolve.

YNAC is tasked with distributing the compensation to its members. The organisation has also announced plans to use the money to create reserves for the reintroduction of native plants and animals, such as emus. Furthermore, the Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation venture with Rio Tinto has inked a $300 million solar farm deal, which will power the company's iron ore network. This deal binds Rio with plans to construct its 13,000 square-kilometre Jinbi project on Yindjibarndi land.

Native title lawyer Lauren Shave stated that the process could drag the battle out another 18 months. She argued that the most fertile grounds for an appeal lay in the spiritual loss, which was already the largest ever awarded in Australia. Shave pointed out that the time it takes, the cost it takes, and the fact that witnesses have to give witness statements - a difficult process and a costly process - will only exacerbate the situation.

As the Yindjibarndi seek to become a legitimate player in the energy transition, it raises questions about how other, less-resourced native title groups might follow in their footsteps. Woodley believes the Yindjibarndi journey does not start and finish with this process, stating that it continues because they have generations of Yindjibarndi people coming.

The Yindjibarndi people's story is a long and brutal one. Their land was stolen, their culture was destroyed, and their people were forced to live on missions. The court's decision is a small step towards justice, but it's just the beginning.

The court's decision was not without controversy. Some critics condemned Justice Stephen Burley's calculation of economic loss, stating that it was too low. The Yindjibarndi people's spiritual loss was estimated at $150.1 million, which is the largest ever awarded in Australia. This significant outcome brings a measure of comfort to the Yindjibarndi community.

The Yindjibarndi people's struggle for justice is not unique. Many indigenous communities across Australia are fighting for their rights and their land. Woodley believes that the Yindjibarndi's story can be a beacon of hope for these communities.

Michael Woodley has been hosting the Australian Wildlife Conservancy at Ngurrawaana community, which is accessible only by four-wheel-drive and closed to outsiders. The organisation is working with YNAC to create reserves for the reintroduction of native plants and animals.

The Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation venture with Rio Tinto has inked a $300 million solar farm deal, which will power the company's iron ore network. The deal binds Rio with plans to construct its 13,000 square-kilometre Jinbi project on Yindjibarndi land. YNAC is also eyeing a refurbishment of Roebourne's notorious Victoria Hotel, now a community centre, and plans to boost home ownership and on-country programs.

"This is our land. People need to understand that. We never asked for this. The system and this nation have to see us as people who deserve justice,"

• Michael Woodley

Michael Woodley, Yindjibarndi leader, and Andrew Forrest, Fortescue's owner, are at the centre of the dispute. Woodley has been fighting for the rights of his people for two decades, while Forrest has made billions from the mining company.

The Yindjibarndi people's story began decades ago. Their land was stolen, their culture was destroyed, and their people were forced to live on missions. The court's decision is a small step towards justice, but Woodley knows that it's just the beginning.

The court's decision was not without controversy. Some critics condemned Justice Stephen Burley's calculation of economic loss, stating that it was too low. The Yindjibarndi people's spiritual loss was estimated at $150.1 million, which is the largest ever awarded in Australia.

The Yindjibarndi people's struggle for justice is not unique. Many indigenous communities across Australia are fighting for their rights and their land. Woodley believes that the Yindjibarndi's story can be a beacon of hope for these communities.

Woodley has been performing a traditional river greeting, called wuthurrungga, on the Portland River. He bends low to scoop water from the river into his mouth, asking for safe passage in the Yindjibarndi language.

### Key Facts

• The Yindjibarndi people secured a $150.1 million court ruling against Fortescue.
• The company's Solomon Hub covers 135 square kilometres of land.
• The Yindjibarndi people's economic loss was estimated at $100,000.
• The court's decision is being appealed by the Yindjibarndi people.
• The appeal could take up to 18 months to resolve.
• The Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation venture with Rio Tinto has inked a $300 million solar farm deal.
• The deal binds Rio with plans to construct its 13,000 square-kilometre Jinbi project on Yindjibarndi land.

Michael Woodley, Yindjibarndi leader, is leading the fight for justice. He believes the Yindjibarndi journey continues because they have generations of Yindjibarndi people coming. Woodley will not give up, and neither will the Yindjibarndi people. They will continue to demand recognition of their rights, and their story is one of resilience, courage, and determination.