Post by theshee on May 25, 2011 3:20:54 GMT 10
THE destruction of Aboriginal heritage in NSW has been labelled "cultural genocide" by an indigenous activist who says permits to build on significant historical sites are granted almost daily.
The Newcastle Herald reported on Saturday that Australia's largest KFC restaurant was built on one of the country's most significant Aboriginal heritage sites in Newcastle West.
Al Oshlack, from the Indigenous Justice Advocacy Network, has expressed his dismay after reading the Herald report.
He said his network had taken more than 100 cases to court to protect significant Aboriginal sites.
"We estimate that [in recent years] over 2500 Aboriginal sites have been destroyed," Mr Oshlack said.
"Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permits [authorising works on culturally-significant sites] are given to 250 sites a year."
The Newcastle West site was excavated before being developed, but an archaeological report has only just shed light on the significance of the artefacts found.
Mr Oshlack said the tiny "microlith" tools found displayed outstanding stonework. Items found at the site include more than 5700 stone tools and campsite remains.
They are believed to date back between 6716 and 6502 years.
"Even in European terms, these artefacts are museum pieces," Mr Oshlack said.
He said the development of the site was a tragedy.
"It's not just a challenge between development and Aboriginal heritage," he said.
"There are so many sites where the impacts of development could have been lessened so that Aboriginal heritage could be saved.
"Had they known, they could have saved it and preserved it for future generations and built a KFC somewhere else. KFC would not go bankrupt if they had to build somewhere else."
He said the pieces should be given to the Awabakal community.
www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/kfc-aboriginal-artefact-loss-an-act-of-genocide/2170964.aspx
Its realy sad that these sites are getting lost or destroyed because of money
The Newcastle Herald reported on Saturday that Australia's largest KFC restaurant was built on one of the country's most significant Aboriginal heritage sites in Newcastle West.
Al Oshlack, from the Indigenous Justice Advocacy Network, has expressed his dismay after reading the Herald report.
He said his network had taken more than 100 cases to court to protect significant Aboriginal sites.
"We estimate that [in recent years] over 2500 Aboriginal sites have been destroyed," Mr Oshlack said.
"Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permits [authorising works on culturally-significant sites] are given to 250 sites a year."
The Newcastle West site was excavated before being developed, but an archaeological report has only just shed light on the significance of the artefacts found.
Mr Oshlack said the tiny "microlith" tools found displayed outstanding stonework. Items found at the site include more than 5700 stone tools and campsite remains.
They are believed to date back between 6716 and 6502 years.
"Even in European terms, these artefacts are museum pieces," Mr Oshlack said.
He said the development of the site was a tragedy.
"It's not just a challenge between development and Aboriginal heritage," he said.
"There are so many sites where the impacts of development could have been lessened so that Aboriginal heritage could be saved.
"Had they known, they could have saved it and preserved it for future generations and built a KFC somewhere else. KFC would not go bankrupt if they had to build somewhere else."
He said the pieces should be given to the Awabakal community.
www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/kfc-aboriginal-artefact-loss-an-act-of-genocide/2170964.aspx
Its realy sad that these sites are getting lost or destroyed because of money
Happy New Years Everybody!!!
