THE planned start of work on Bathurst's new $4.5 million go-kart track will be delayed at least 30 days after Environment Minister Sussan Ley granted a last-minute order to protect the site in McPhillamy Park.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
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:
- Bookmark www.westernadvocate.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News
What do you think?
- Why not write us a letter to the editor ...