Home›Questions on Notice›QoN 2479

❓ A WA parliamentary question regarding potential damage to Aboriginal heritage sites (caves) near Mount Margaret by mining company Darlex, and the Department of Aboriginal Affairs' role in site registration and consultation. The Minister denies the feature is a cave.

AnsweredQoN 2479Legislative Council

Asked

17 February 2015

Member

Hon Robin Chapple

Portfolio

Aboriginal Affairs

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the photograph entitled "Cave at Mount Margaret" that may be found at robinchapple.com/qdata, and ask: (a) according to the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, are there any caves at or near Mount Margaret on the site register; (b) were any caves deregistered and, if so, when; (c) if yes to (a), did the mining company, Darlex, consult with the traditional owners from the Wongatha Wonganarra people; (d) if no to (c), why not; (e) if no to (a), were Darlex advised by the Department of Aboriginal Affairs that there were no sites on the register in that area; (f) if yes to (e), will the Minister table any correspondence with Darlex pertaining to that matter; (g) if no to (f), why not; (h) is the Minister aware of the damage to the caves as depicted in the photograph; (i) if no to (h), why not; and (j) if yes to (h), what action has the Minister and/or the Department of Aboriginal Affairs taken?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered

18 March 2015

Responded by

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs

Response time

29 days

(a) Yes.
(b) No.
(c) Yes. Darlex has advised that consultation with Wongatha Wonganarra people did occur.
(d) Not applicable.
(e) Not applicable.
(f) Not applicable.
(g) Not applicable.
(h) I am aware of the photograph. The photograph depicts an opening to a mine shaft which is man-made. It is not a cave.
(i) Not applicable.
(j) Not applicable

View on Parliament of WA