02 6652 8740
Local Aboriginal groups have rejected the Draft Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment for the proposed Coffs Harbour Bypass, raising concerns about the methodology and calling for a new assessment to be completed.
Nathan Brennan, Chief Executive Officer, Coffs Harbour and District Local Aboriginal Land Council, one of the members of the Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAP’s), which provide a voice for the Gumbaynggirr Traditional Owners, said the draft report did not provide adequate protection for Aboriginal Cultural Heritage.
“Our ancestors travelled from the hinterland to the ocean and the proposed bypass, which now includes land bridges as opposed to tunnels, cuts a path straight through this area,” Mr. Brennan said.
“We believe the corridor of land identified contains significant archaeological deposits which the report has failed to identify.
“The location and number of ‘Potential Archaeological Deposits’ (PAD) were pre-determined without genuine consultation or engagement with the Aboriginal community.”
Mr. Brennan said the draft report failed to include information on the cultural significance of the environment and cultural landscape, such as waterholes, creeks, plants, bush medicines and animal species living in and surrounding the proposed corridor.
“On a positive note, we agree with the current draft report which has a preference for tunnels over land bridges and cuttings, which we believe would severely impact and destroy culturally significant landscape and objects,” Mr. Brennan said.
In a response to the Roads and Maritime Services, the RAP’s have called for a new survey to be conducted, including all areas associated with the bypass, such as on and off ramps, parking areas, drainage and fauna fencing.
They have also called for greater involvement in the process, including the selection of their preferred archaeologist.
“This corridor represents a significant part of our culture and we want to ensure that adequate time and care is taken to investigate and identify cultural heritage sites which may be impacted.”
For information, interviews or photo opportunities with Nathan Brennan contact:
Coffs Harbour and District LALC: Desley Flanders via Email: [email protected] or 02 6652 8740