Tasmanian Aborigines, represented by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre (TAC) and Aboriginal Land Council Tasmania (ALCT), are demanding the state government halt major projects until adequate Aboriginal heritage protection laws are agreed.
This comes with the Equis wind farm proposal for 28 turbines at a significant Aboriginal site and burial ground at takina / Port Dalrymple and kinimathatakinta / George Town.
There is nothing in place within the planning system to alert developers or the public about the high sensitivity and Aboriginal cultural values and no laws that adequately protect or prevent the destruction of such sacred sites.
Takina/kinimathatakinta was home to Aborigines over thousands of years. Evidence of our occupation can be found throughout this area, including burial sites.
“Our old people knew this area as their final resting place. But many of their bodies were dug up, stolen, sold or gifted to institutions including in 1821 remains sent to the UK’s Natural History Museum and the Royal College of Surgeons,” said Nala Mansell, campaigns manager, Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre.
The area also holds a deep significance and connection to palawa people today, many of whom have taken part in recent burial ceremonies following our successful campaigns to repatriate the remains of our descendants from overseas institutions and lay their bodies to rest in their traditional homelands.
“There is a clear conflict of interest when the person responsible for signing permits to destroy our heritage behind closed doors is the same person who could benefit from major project approval,” said Ms Mansell.
“With the Aboriginal Heritage Act open for public consultation, there is a critical opportunity to reset how developments and major projects – like the proposed Equis windfarm – occur and to place Aboriginal rights, knowledge, and autonomy at the centre of decision-making,” said ALCT chair, Greg Brown.
“The Bill cannot repeat the mistakes of the past. Our cultural heritage is not expendable. It holds the stories, knowledge, and identity of our people and must be protected with the highest level of care.”
Mr Brown said it is deeply concerning that large-scale projects of this magnitude could be considered before the legislation is finalised. “No major renewable energy developments should proceed until Aboriginal people have legally recognised rights to protect our heritage and to determine what happens on Country,” he said.
The Palawa Kani app includes information about takina / Port Dalrymple, kinimathatakinta / George Town and pilawaytinta / Low Head.
