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February 27, 2012
Formerly Gosford Central Community News
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Aboriginal community to stand firm on threatened sites
Aerial view of Calga Sand Quarry
ince the southern extension of the Calga Sand Quarry was first proposed by Rocla Pty Ltd, Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council (Darkinjung LALC) and the Mingaletta Aboriginal Women’s Group have gone to battle with State Government over the protection of sites of Aboriginal significance.
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At a recent meeting, Darkinjung LALC and its Members and the Mingaletta Aboriginal Women’s Group officially joined forces to take the fight up with the State Government. In 2010, it was reported that Aboriginal women across the Central Coast of NSW had joined to save a sacred birthing and ceremonial site that was very rare and of extremely high cultural significance, but their pleas seemed to have continually fallen on deaf ears. “This is a sacred birthing and ceremonial site and it’s only 100 metres from the existing mine, so any extension would obviously put the site in danger,” said Mingaletta Women’s Group elder Ms Barbara Grew. “This is very important to us. “It’s a place where we can go and see our history. “It’s a place where we feel we belong. “We’re hoping that, by joining forces with Darkinjung LALC, we’ll finally gain the proper attention and respect of the State Government and stop the quarry extension.” Darkinjung LALC chairperson Ms Jenny
Hayes said that the position of the Land Council was to object to the proposed southern extension. “There are other significant sites in the area and due to the dense scrub, there is every possibility of undiscovered sites. “The Aboriginal Heritage Assessment commissioned by Rocla into the area states that large sections were unable to be surveyed due to thick undergrowth and other factors, so Rocla simply doesn’t know what’s there. “We suggested a burn off to reveal any other sites, but that hasn’t happened. “In addition, there are other known sites of Aboriginal significance in the area including rock engravings and a cave shelter with art. “The most critical aspect here is that these sites cannot be assessed in isolation from their surroundings, there is a broader cultural landscape that must be considered”, said Ms Hayes. The site has been noted by cultural heritage expert Jo McDonald as “a rare occasion for engraved sites” due to the association of the engraving of the woman
with stone arrangements. McDonald found that only one other rock engraving in the Sydney Basin area including the Somersby Plateau was associated with a stone arrangement. In total, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has 180 Aboriginal objects and places recorded within or near the suggested project zone. Initially, Rocla suggested a 30 meter buffer around the sacred women’s site, but this was rejected by Mingaletta Women’s Group and the Land Council. “Mining at a depth of up to 35 metres anywhere within several kilometres of the site will weaken the rock platform’s substructure and it will never be the same again. “If the mine expands the whole thing will just collapse,” said Ms Grew. Rocla’s own planning submission noted the Department of the Environment, Climate Change and Water had concerns about the company’s proposal to leave the women’s site stranded on a narrow, buffered piece of land. Darkinjung LALC CEO Mr Sean Gordon said
that, despite years of investigation and several reports, there was still a lack of response from the government and it needed to be resolved. “The Mingaletta women, Darkinjung LALC and all Aboriginal people on the Central Coast deserve to be properly acknowledged on this issue. “We’ve been patient and followed all the right processes. “It’s now time for the State Government to veto the southern extension of the Calga Sand Quarry,” said Mr Gordon. Darkinjung LALC chairperson Ms Jenny Hayes said: “Darkinjung LALC will stand alongside the Mingaletta Women’s Group and fight what would obviously be a mistake and quite simply soul-destroying to Aboriginal people.” “And, if necessary, we will call all Aboriginal women from other communities to stand alongside us. “We’re often happy to compromise and negotiate, but not this time,” said Ms Hayes. The two organisations will form a united front and appeal to the State Government to take action. Media Release, 17 Feb 2012 Sean Gordon, Darkinjung LALC
Ph: 4325 7369
Issue 027
Security cameras for Terrigal osford Council will install Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras next month in the Terrigal CBD funded in part by a grant from the Australian Government as part of the Safer Suburbs Program.
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As part of this initiative, Council received $70,000 for the provision of CCTV to address issues associated with anti-social behaviour throughout the Terrigal CBD. The CCTV camera images would be relayed to a recording system which would be located at Terrigal Police Station. Gosford mayor Cr Laurie Maher said that the Brisbane Water Local Area Command identified ideal locations for the cameras through crime statistics and consultation with residents. “This is an issue that has a significant impact on the local business community in Terrigal and I would like to thank them for their assistance in providing feedback on issues they feel need to be addressed. “Cameras being installed will provide coverage of the Terrigal Esplanade and Terrigal Surf Club car park. “They will help improve the safety of the Terrigal area and assist police in protecting residents and tourists from anti social behaviour,” said Cr Maher.
The Member for Robertson Ms Deborah O’Neill has welcomed Council’s help in delivering another of her 2010 election promises. “Terrigal will be a safer suburb thanks to the work of Gosford Council and the Brisbane Water Local Area Command, made possible with the $70,000 grant from the Gillard Government,” said Ms O’Neill. “I listened to the business owners at Terrigal and took the necessary action to prevent antisocial behaviour and support local businesses and jobs. “Like the shop-owners of Terrigal, the tourists and the locals alike, I look forward to being on hand for the commissioning in March.” The current target date for installation and testing of the Terrigal CCTV system is March with commissioning shortly thereafter.” Media Release, 13 Feb 2012 Deborah O’Neill, Member for Robertson Laure Maher, Gosford Council
The main street of Terrigal