The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act (ATSHIP Act) allows the Federal Environment Minister to make a declaration protecting a significant Aboriginal heritage area where it is under threat of injury or desecration. It has been used by previous Ministers both Labor and Liberal.
I have decided to make a partial declaration under section 10 of the ATSHIP Act to protect a significant Aboriginal heritage site near Blayney, in central west New South Wales, from being destroyed to build a tailings dam for a gold mine.
The Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri people, who traditionally lived around the Bathurst area, have significant spiritual and cultural connections to the headwaters of the Belubula River.
The headwaters are of particular significance to Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri people and are linked to ongoing cultural practices of the area. They have featured in many traditions practiced for generations including by Aboriginal people transitioning from youth to young adulthood. Some of these traditions have been disclosed to me privately and must remain confidential due to their cultural sensitivity. If this site were to be desecrated, it would be an threat to the continuance of Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri culture.
Because I accept that the headwaters of the Belubula River are of particular significance to the Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri people in accordance with their tradition, I have decided to protect them.
Crucially, my decision is not to stop the mine. The company has indicated to me that it has assessed around four sites and 30 potential options for the tailings dam.
Protecting cultural heritage and development are not mutually exclusive. We can have both.
The protection of this significant Aboriginal site takes effect immediately.
Declaration: https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2024L00999/asmade/text
