In a further twist in the saga involving the future of Wallaby Scrub Road Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Land Council has made a land claim for the roadway.
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The Council’s chief executive officer, Noel Downs has confirmed, to the Singleton Argus his organisation has made a claim for the road under the NSW Aboriginal Lands Rights Act.
“Once Singleton Council voted to start the process to the close the road at their last meeting (February 20) that meant they no longer required this Crown Land,” he said.
“Therefore under the Lands Rights Act we can, representing local Aborigines, acquire the land because it is no longer needed for public purpose.”
Wallaby Scrub Road has been the subject of a long running battle between those opposed to the expansion of the Warkworth open cut mine and the mine’s owners Rio Tinto and their supporters, who argue the road needs to be closed, to allow the mine to continue to operate and employ more than 1000 people.
The historic road links Bulga to Warkworth covers 6.9 kilometres and is used on a daily basis by 1100 vehicles.
On six previous occasions Singleton Council has voted against Rio Tinto’s request to close the road however councillors, in a controversial decision, last month voted to progress the process of closing the road.
Mr Downs said the Land Council’s aim in making the claim was to protect the road.
“Rio Tinto told us in 2005/6 that they would not be closing the road. At the time we trusted in that decision. The road protects a ‘bora’ site located between the it and Wollombi Brook,” he said.
“It is our belief that bora site still needs protection and the best way to afford that protection is to keep the roadway open.
“These sites are ceremonial grounds with pathways and tracks not just a simply circle in the ground.”
With 17 mines in the Singleton/Muswellbrook region, covering three tribal countries, meant preserving Aboriginal heritage was real challenge according to Mr Downs.
He wanted people to understand that preservation should not simply involve removing artefacts and placing them elsewhere.
“The Opera House moved to a different location would not be the Opera House people love, treasure and want preserved,” he commented.
“The same goes for our heritage, we want it to remain in its natural landscape.”
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Louise Nichols
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
