BATHURST Regional Council has a shallow and outdated understanding of cultural heritage if it believes the site of the proposed go-kart track has no cultural value because an archaeological survey found no evidence of Aboriginal presence.

Captain Cook's landing place in Botany Bay shows no evidence that Captain Cook was ever there, but would the council feel it is appropriate to put a go-kart track there?

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This council decision not only disrespects Aboriginal cultural beliefs, but diminishes cultural values for all the community.

When public land of unique scenic value is turned over to the exclusive use of a small group (the "over 200 members" of the Bathurst Kart Club represent less than 0.5 per cent of residents) then all the community is poorer for it.

To argue that the decision is justified because it complies with legislative requirements is similarly narrow-minded.

Numerous recent examples around the country demonstrate that cultural heritage protection laws lag behind community feeling.

The councillors (other than Cr John Fry and those that voted with him) should be shamed for not taking up a valuable opportunity to show leadership and keep faith with the Wiradyuri and wider community by offering this site more than the minimum consideration required by the legislation.