Bathurst Wiradyuri elders lodged applications for Section 9 (emergency) and Section 10 (indefinite) protection in early 2019, saying it was land of cultural significance to the local Indigenous community.

But as late as Friday morning Bathurst Regional Council was planning to push ahead with its planned start of work on Monday morning, before the order from Ms Ley's office came through around lunchtime.

ALSO MAKING NEWS:

Ms Ley has made a declaration under Section 9 of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act (ATSIHPA), which will prevent starting the work as planned.

The emergency declaration remains in place for 30 days and can be made by the minister to prevent the "injury or desecration of an Indigenous site".

"The Section 9 declaration will prevent work taking place," Ms Ley said.

"Having now received reports from the department, including those submissions received recently from Traditional Owners, l would like to meet with the parties involved.

"I will travel to Bathurst next Friday before reviewing the issues further to determine whether a declaration with longer effect should be made under Section 10 of the Act."

MORE TO COME

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: