Home›Questions on Notice›QoN 145

❓ A parliamentary question regarding DGO Gold's exploration activities near the Three Sisters Hills, a site of Aboriginal heritage significance, and whether the company has the necessary approvals under Section 18 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act. The Department confirms no application has been received and is investigating a potential breach.

AnsweredQoN 145Legislative Council

Asked

2 June 2021

Member

Hon Dr Brad Pettitt

Portfolio

Aboriginal Affairs

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to questions on notice 1320, asked on 24 November 2020, and 115, asked on 13 May 2021, and to community reports that DGO Gold is exploring and building a road in the 'other heritage' site 24950 (Three Sisters Hills), and I ask: (a) has the Department received a section 18 application from DGO Gold Ltd to work in this area; (b) if no to (a), will the Department ensure that work in this area cease until a section 18 application has been made; (c) if yes to (a), what was the Aboriginal Cultural Material Committee's recommendation to the Minister regarding this application; and (d) if yes to (a), what was the Ministers determination?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered

3 August 2021

Responded by

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs

Response time

8 days

(a)-(b) The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage has not received a section 18 application from DGO Gold Ltd to work in this area. The Department has been in contact with the relevant Aboriginal Corporation in relation to a possible breach of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (Act). As has been previously advised, proponents are required to seek approval to use land where Aboriginal sites may be impacted. If anyone has any information regarding any potential breach of the Act, they should report it to the Department directly so that it can be appropriately investigated.
(c)-(d) Not applicable.

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