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Category: Indigenous Culture / Mining Environmental Issues / Mining Industry

Community leader meeting over proposed gold mine near rock art

Thursday, 29 Sep 2016 05:16:39 | Josh Bavas

UNESCO regards the rock art as some of the most significant in the world. (ABC News: Mark Willacy)

The Cape York Land Council is set to meet today to discuss concerns over a proposed gold mine near an ancient Indigenous rock art site along the Laura River in the state's far north.

ABC News exclusively revealed yesterday the Queensland Government had granted an environmental authority for the mine near the world-renowned Quinkan Aboriginal rock art galleries.

The approval of a mining lease is still pending, with the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines.

The member for Cook Billy Gordon is calling for clarification on the proposal and said there were concerns from a range of community members.

"It's really confusion and it's hysteria; people want more information about the project and the proposal, in particular about where this project will be," he said.

"There's also some strong concerns about preserving some of the significant and sacred sites, particularly the rock art in the region.

"But we also need to go back and I think have a more inclusive process that brings together a broader group of traditional owners to have a look at this project."

The mine's proponent is Danny O'Shane, a Western Yalanji man, who said he was a traditional owner of the country on which the gold operation would sit.

He told the ABC that the mine would not harm the surrounding rock art sites.

Mr Gordon said protecting ancient cultural sites should be the first priority.

"We need to be able to put the preservation of these sacred sites front and centre so we can ensure that we protect those and preserve those for future generations."

Traditional owners and Laura community members petitioned Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to stop the mine.

Indigenous drawings in Quinkan art gallery near Laura Photo: Quinkan art gallery near Laura. (ABC News: Mark Willacy)

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