❓ Hon Robin Chapple questions the Minister for Indigenous Affairs regarding sand mining by CSR Ltd on Mining Lease 36/7, focusing on heritage concerns and departmental actions. The Minister's response confirms a recorded Aboriginal heritage site and outlines actions taken.
AnsweredQoN 659Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to Mining Lease 36/7 where I understand CSR Ltd were requested in May 2002 to cease sand mining on the Mining Lease -
(1) Can the Minister state why CSR were requested to cease sand mining in and around the sand quarry given that CSR had engaged Mr Harry Butler in 1992 to undertake a survey involving archaeological, flora, fauna and heritage concerns?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) Can the Minister state or table what Mr Harry Butler found in relation to his survey?
(4) If no to (3), why not?
(5) Can the Minister state what investigations were undertaken by the Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA) to verify any complaints made?
(6) If no to (5), why not?
(7) Can the Minister state what factual evidence, if any, does the DIA have that proves the existence of an Aboriginal Heritage site being located on Mining Lease 36/7?
(8) If no to (7), why not?
(9) Can the Minister state what specific involvement or actions did the Department of Minerals and Energy take against CSR in relation to this matter?
(10) If no to (9), why not?
(11) Can the Minister state what specifically did the Department of Minerals and Energy advise the DIA both orally and in writing concerning this matter?
(12) If no to (11), why not?
(1) Can the Minister state why CSR were requested to cease sand mining in and around the sand quarry given that CSR had engaged Mr Harry Butler in 1992 to undertake a survey involving archaeological, flora, fauna and heritage concerns?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) Can the Minister state or table what Mr Harry Butler found in relation to his survey?
(4) If no to (3), why not?
(5) Can the Minister state what investigations were undertaken by the Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA) to verify any complaints made?
(6) If no to (5), why not?
(7) Can the Minister state what factual evidence, if any, does the DIA have that proves the existence of an Aboriginal Heritage site being located on Mining Lease 36/7?
(8) If no to (7), why not?
(9) Can the Minister state what specific involvement or actions did the Department of Minerals and Energy take against CSR in relation to this matter?
(10) If no to (9), why not?
(11) Can the Minister state what specifically did the Department of Minerals and Energy advise the DIA both orally and in writing concerning this matter?
(12) If no to (11), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
15 May 2003
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Indigenous Affairs
Response time
36 days
The Minister has been advised that at the commencement of the investigation Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA) officers contacted representatives of CSR who advised them that Mr Butler had carried out a heritage survey of the area in about 1991 or 1992 but that the report had been misplaced. Only a brief reference to Aboriginal heritage appeared in the 1992 Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the sand mining operation and it suggested that there may possibly have been Aboriginal heritage site issues at 'the old Sandstone road'. There was no further detail about these issues in the EMP, and Mr Butler's report has never been located. Having regard to these matters and the period of time that had elapsed since Mr Butler is understood to have carried out his work in any event, CSR was directed to cease mining activities and to conduct heritage survey work in the area including consulting relevant Aboriginal people. (2) Not applicable. (3) Refer to the answer provided to Question 1. (4) Refer to the answer provided to question 3. (5) Refer to the answer provided to Question 1. (6) Not applicable. (7) An Aboriginal heritage site is recorded within the bounds of the sand quarry at ML36/7. The site has been identified as having mythological significance by the Ngalia Heritage Research Council (NHRC), the Koara Native Title claimants, and the Wutha people. These people have provided sufficient information about the site to enable it to be assessed by the Aboriginal Cultural Material Committee and evaluated as a site of significance within the meaning of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. Due to the culturally sensitive nature of the mythological stories associated with the site, The Minister can only advise that it is related to a number of the Dreamtime stories which pass through the area. (8) Not applicable. (9) It is the Minister's understanding that no action was taken other than a referral of the complaints of alleged interference to relevant officers within the DIA. (10) This question should be addressed to the Minister for State Development. (11) No, although the Minister has been advised that officers from DOME and DIA were in contact about the matter. (12) Not applicable.
Having regard to these matters and the period of time that had elapsed since Mr Butler is understood to have carried out his work in any event, CSR was directed to cease mining activities and to conduct heritage survey work in the area including consulting relevant Aboriginal people. (2) Not applicable. (3) Refer to the answer provided to Question 1. (4) Refer to the answer provided to question 3. (5) Refer to the answer provided to Question 1. (6) Not applicable. (7) An Aboriginal heritage site is recorded within the bounds of the sand quarry at ML36/7. The site has been identified as having mythological significance by the Ngalia Heritage Research Council (NHRC), the Koara Native Title claimants, and the Wutha people. These people have provided sufficient information about the site to enable it to be assessed by the Aboriginal Cultural Material Committee and evaluated as a site of significance within the meaning of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. Due to the culturally sensitive nature of the mythological stories associated with the site, The Minister can only advise that it is related to a number of the Dreamtime stories which pass through the area. (8) Not applicable. (9) It is the Minister's understanding that no action was taken other than a referral of the complaints of alleged interference to relevant officers within the DIA. (10) This question should be addressed to the Minister for State Development. (11) No, although the Minister has been advised that officers from DOME and DIA were in contact about the matter. (12) Not applicable.
(3) Refer to the answer provided to Question 1. (4) Refer to the answer provided to question 3. (5) Refer to the answer provided to Question 1. (6) Not applicable. (7) An Aboriginal heritage site is recorded within the bounds of the sand quarry at ML36/7. The site has been identified as having mythological significance by the Ngalia Heritage Research Council (NHRC), the Koara Native Title claimants, and the Wutha people. These people have provided sufficient information about the site to enable it to be assessed by the Aboriginal Cultural Material Committee and evaluated as a site of significance within the meaning of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. Due to the culturally sensitive nature of the mythological stories associated with the site, The Minister can only advise that it is related to a number of the Dreamtime stories which pass through the area. (8) Not applicable. (9) It is the Minister's understanding that no action was taken other than a referral of the complaints of alleged interference to relevant officers within the DIA. (10) This question should be addressed to the Minister for State Development. (11) No, although the Minister has been advised that officers from DOME and DIA were in contact about the matter. (12) Not applicable.
(4) Refer to the answer provided to question 3. (5) Refer to the answer provided to Question 1. (6) Not applicable. (7) An Aboriginal heritage site is recorded within the bounds of the sand quarry at ML36/7. The site has been identified as having mythological significance by the Ngalia Heritage Research Council (NHRC), the Koara Native Title claimants, and the Wutha people. These people have provided sufficient information about the site to enable it to be assessed by the Aboriginal Cultural Material Committee and evaluated as a site of significance within the meaning of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. Due to the culturally sensitive nature of the mythological stories associated with the site, The Minister can only advise that it is related to a number of the Dreamtime stories which pass through the area. (8) Not applicable. (9) It is the Minister's understanding that no action was taken other than a referral of the complaints of alleged interference to relevant officers within the DIA. (10) This question should be addressed to the Minister for State Development. (11) No, although the Minister has been advised that officers from DOME and DIA were in contact about the matter. (12) Not applicable.
(5) Refer to the answer provided to Question 1. (6) Not applicable. (7) An Aboriginal heritage site is recorded within the bounds of the sand quarry at ML36/7. The site has been identified as having mythological significance by the Ngalia Heritage Research Council (NHRC), the Koara Native Title claimants, and the Wutha people. These people have provided sufficient information about the site to enable it to be assessed by the Aboriginal Cultural Material Committee and evaluated as a site of significance within the meaning of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. Due to the culturally sensitive nature of the mythological stories associated with the site, The Minister can only advise that it is related to a number of the Dreamtime stories which pass through the area. (8) Not applicable. (9) It is the Minister's understanding that no action was taken other than a referral of the complaints of alleged interference to relevant officers within the DIA. (10) This question should be addressed to the Minister for State Development. (11) No, although the Minister has been advised that officers from DOME and DIA were in contact about the matter. (12) Not applicable.
(6) Not applicable. (7) An Aboriginal heritage site is recorded within the bounds of the sand quarry at ML36/7. The site has been identified as having mythological significance by the Ngalia Heritage Research Council (NHRC), the Koara Native Title claimants, and the Wutha people. These people have provided sufficient information about the site to enable it to be assessed by the Aboriginal Cultural Material Committee and evaluated as a site of significance within the meaning of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. Due to the culturally sensitive nature of the mythological stories associated with the site, The Minister can only advise that it is related to a number of the Dreamtime stories which pass through the area. (8) Not applicable. (9) It is the Minister's understanding that no action was taken other than a referral of the complaints of alleged interference to relevant officers within the DIA. (10) This question should be addressed to the Minister for State Development. (11) No, although the Minister has been advised that officers from DOME and DIA were in contact about the matter. (12) Not applicable.
(7) An Aboriginal heritage site is recorded within the bounds of the sand quarry at ML36/7. The site has been identified as having mythological significance by the Ngalia Heritage Research Council (NHRC), the Koara Native Title claimants, and the Wutha people. These people have provided sufficient information about the site to enable it to be assessed by the Aboriginal Cultural Material Committee and evaluated as a site of significance within the meaning of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. Due to the culturally sensitive nature of the mythological stories associated with the site, The Minister can only advise that it is related to a number of the Dreamtime stories which pass through the area. (8) Not applicable. (9) It is the Minister's understanding that no action was taken other than a referral of the complaints of alleged interference to relevant officers within the DIA. (10) This question should be addressed to the Minister for State Development. (11) No, although the Minister has been advised that officers from DOME and DIA were in contact about the matter. (12) Not applicable.
(8) Not applicable. (9) It is the Minister's understanding that no action was taken other than a referral of the complaints of alleged interference to relevant officers within the DIA. (10) This question should be addressed to the Minister for State Development. (11) No, although the Minister has been advised that officers from DOME and DIA were in contact about the matter. (12) Not applicable.
(9) It is the Minister's understanding that no action was taken other than a referral of the complaints of alleged interference to relevant officers within the DIA. (10) This question should be addressed to the Minister for State Development. (11) No, although the Minister has been advised that officers from DOME and DIA were in contact about the matter. (12) Not applicable.
(10) This question should be addressed to the Minister for State Development. (11) No, although the Minister has been advised that officers from DOME and DIA were in contact about the matter. (12) Not applicable.
(11) No, although the Minister has been advised that officers from DOME and DIA were in contact about the matter. (12) Not applicable.
(12) Not applicable.
Having regard to these matters and the period of time that had elapsed since Mr Butler is understood to have carried out his work in any event, CSR was directed to cease mining activities and to conduct heritage survey work in the area including consulting relevant Aboriginal people. (2) Not applicable. (3) Refer to the answer provided to Question 1. (4) Refer to the answer provided to question 3. (5) Refer to the answer provided to Question 1. (6) Not applicable. (7) An Aboriginal heritage site is recorded within the bounds of the sand quarry at ML36/7. The site has been identified as having mythological significance by the Ngalia Heritage Research Council (NHRC), the Koara Native Title claimants, and the Wutha people. These people have provided sufficient information about the site to enable it to be assessed by the Aboriginal Cultural Material Committee and evaluated as a site of significance within the meaning of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. Due to the culturally sensitive nature of the mythological stories associated with the site, The Minister can only advise that it is related to a number of the Dreamtime stories which pass through the area. (8) Not applicable. (9) It is the Minister's understanding that no action was taken other than a referral of the complaints of alleged interference to relevant officers within the DIA. (10) This question should be addressed to the Minister for State Development. (11) No, although the Minister has been advised that officers from DOME and DIA were in contact about the matter. (12) Not applicable.
(3) Refer to the answer provided to Question 1. (4) Refer to the answer provided to question 3. (5) Refer to the answer provided to Question 1. (6) Not applicable. (7) An Aboriginal heritage site is recorded within the bounds of the sand quarry at ML36/7. The site has been identified as having mythological significance by the Ngalia Heritage Research Council (NHRC), the Koara Native Title claimants, and the Wutha people. These people have provided sufficient information about the site to enable it to be assessed by the Aboriginal Cultural Material Committee and evaluated as a site of significance within the meaning of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. Due to the culturally sensitive nature of the mythological stories associated with the site, The Minister can only advise that it is related to a number of the Dreamtime stories which pass through the area. (8) Not applicable. (9) It is the Minister's understanding that no action was taken other than a referral of the complaints of alleged interference to relevant officers within the DIA. (10) This question should be addressed to the Minister for State Development. (11) No, although the Minister has been advised that officers from DOME and DIA were in contact about the matter. (12) Not applicable.
(4) Refer to the answer provided to question 3. (5) Refer to the answer provided to Question 1. (6) Not applicable. (7) An Aboriginal heritage site is recorded within the bounds of the sand quarry at ML36/7. The site has been identified as having mythological significance by the Ngalia Heritage Research Council (NHRC), the Koara Native Title claimants, and the Wutha people. These people have provided sufficient information about the site to enable it to be assessed by the Aboriginal Cultural Material Committee and evaluated as a site of significance within the meaning of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. Due to the culturally sensitive nature of the mythological stories associated with the site, The Minister can only advise that it is related to a number of the Dreamtime stories which pass through the area. (8) Not applicable. (9) It is the Minister's understanding that no action was taken other than a referral of the complaints of alleged interference to relevant officers within the DIA. (10) This question should be addressed to the Minister for State Development. (11) No, although the Minister has been advised that officers from DOME and DIA were in contact about the matter. (12) Not applicable.
(5) Refer to the answer provided to Question 1. (6) Not applicable. (7) An Aboriginal heritage site is recorded within the bounds of the sand quarry at ML36/7. The site has been identified as having mythological significance by the Ngalia Heritage Research Council (NHRC), the Koara Native Title claimants, and the Wutha people. These people have provided sufficient information about the site to enable it to be assessed by the Aboriginal Cultural Material Committee and evaluated as a site of significance within the meaning of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. Due to the culturally sensitive nature of the mythological stories associated with the site, The Minister can only advise that it is related to a number of the Dreamtime stories which pass through the area. (8) Not applicable. (9) It is the Minister's understanding that no action was taken other than a referral of the complaints of alleged interference to relevant officers within the DIA. (10) This question should be addressed to the Minister for State Development. (11) No, although the Minister has been advised that officers from DOME and DIA were in contact about the matter. (12) Not applicable.
(6) Not applicable. (7) An Aboriginal heritage site is recorded within the bounds of the sand quarry at ML36/7. The site has been identified as having mythological significance by the Ngalia Heritage Research Council (NHRC), the Koara Native Title claimants, and the Wutha people. These people have provided sufficient information about the site to enable it to be assessed by the Aboriginal Cultural Material Committee and evaluated as a site of significance within the meaning of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. Due to the culturally sensitive nature of the mythological stories associated with the site, The Minister can only advise that it is related to a number of the Dreamtime stories which pass through the area. (8) Not applicable. (9) It is the Minister's understanding that no action was taken other than a referral of the complaints of alleged interference to relevant officers within the DIA. (10) This question should be addressed to the Minister for State Development. (11) No, although the Minister has been advised that officers from DOME and DIA were in contact about the matter. (12) Not applicable.
(7) An Aboriginal heritage site is recorded within the bounds of the sand quarry at ML36/7. The site has been identified as having mythological significance by the Ngalia Heritage Research Council (NHRC), the Koara Native Title claimants, and the Wutha people. These people have provided sufficient information about the site to enable it to be assessed by the Aboriginal Cultural Material Committee and evaluated as a site of significance within the meaning of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. Due to the culturally sensitive nature of the mythological stories associated with the site, The Minister can only advise that it is related to a number of the Dreamtime stories which pass through the area. (8) Not applicable. (9) It is the Minister's understanding that no action was taken other than a referral of the complaints of alleged interference to relevant officers within the DIA. (10) This question should be addressed to the Minister for State Development. (11) No, although the Minister has been advised that officers from DOME and DIA were in contact about the matter. (12) Not applicable.
(8) Not applicable. (9) It is the Minister's understanding that no action was taken other than a referral of the complaints of alleged interference to relevant officers within the DIA. (10) This question should be addressed to the Minister for State Development. (11) No, although the Minister has been advised that officers from DOME and DIA were in contact about the matter. (12) Not applicable.
(9) It is the Minister's understanding that no action was taken other than a referral of the complaints of alleged interference to relevant officers within the DIA. (10) This question should be addressed to the Minister for State Development. (11) No, although the Minister has been advised that officers from DOME and DIA were in contact about the matter. (12) Not applicable.
(10) This question should be addressed to the Minister for State Development. (11) No, although the Minister has been advised that officers from DOME and DIA were in contact about the matter. (12) Not applicable.
(11) No, although the Minister has been advised that officers from DOME and DIA were in contact about the matter. (12) Not applicable.
(12) Not applicable.
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