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Since the introduction of the Land Rights Act (N.T.) 1976 the debate over land use has been very emotive. Historically, Europeans have been quite single minded in their pursuit of natural resources and slow in their efforts to accommodate the social and economic needs of Aboriginal people who are directly affected. This paper shows that there need not be conflicts over Aboriginal land if there is an exhibition of common courtesy and a respect for Aboriginal culture. The challenge presented in this paper is for Australian land users (and funding agencies to Aboriginal organisations) to develop an understanding of Aboriginal culture and priorities with regard to land use. The challenge is also to understand the benefits of Aboriginal land to both Aboriginal and non Aboriginal Australians. There is a need to develop social cost benefit techniques that take into account and accurately quantify these non monetary benefits.