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Category: Mining Industry / Mining (Rural) / Aboriginal / Indigenous (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) / Indigenous Culture

Investigation into Aboriginal heritage on proposed Shenhua mine site launched

Friday, 9 Sep 2016 08:42:11

NSW Liverpool Plains, the site of a proposed open-cut coal mine. (7.30)

The Federal Government has ordered an investigation into whether Aboriginal heritage and sacred sites have been overlooked in the conditional approval of Shenhua's proposed Watermark mine on the Liverpool Plains, in northern New South Wales.

The independent review is the latest in a series of challenges to the mine.

The mine gained approval from the Federal Government in 2015 but has not yet applied for a mining licence, and Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has raised doubt about the project's future.

There has been speculation the mine will not go ahead.

The Gomeroi Traditional Custodians have been fighting to have a number of cultural sites within the proposed mine's boundary protected.

They have lodged an application with the Federal Environment Minister seeking the review, under Section 10 of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act.

The group has asked the Environment Minister to protect five areas: Watermark Mountain and landscape viewing corridors from the summit looking towards culturally significant areas, and the areas themselves — two grinding groove complexes and two culturally-modified trees.

The group said the sites were important because they "retain immeasurable historic, social and cultural value to Gomeroi People", and claimed the large scale open cut coal mining project would irreversibly desecrate or destroy them.

The group also said the area was significant for its connection to country, the continued use of the area as a medicinal plant and bush tucker gathering area, and the importance of the site for maintaining distinctive Gomeroi and Aboriginal culture and spirituality.

Barrister to examine extent of area to be protected

Sydney barrister Susan Phillips has been appointed to conduct the investigation, and is taking written submissions until October 11.

She will prepare a report for the Minister outlining issues such as the significance of the area, the nature and extent of potential desecration, and the extent of area that should be protected.

The Minister will then decide whether to make a declaration to preserve and protect the specified areas.

The ABC has contacted Shenhua for comment.

AustraliaPlus


 

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