Commonwealth decision to reject blocking of Gantheaume Point development applauded

9/2/95

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kevin Prince said today the Federal Government had made a commonsense decision in rejecting an application to block a private residential development at Gantheaume Point in Broome.

Mr Prince said the decision by Federal Aboriginal Affairs Minister Robert Tickner recognised the proper processes carried out by the State Government in assessing the significance of the site.

Mr Tickner rejected an application by the Kimberley Land Council (KLC) to use his powers under Section 9 of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act to block the construction of a home by local Aboriginal businesswoman Corrie Fong.

The proposed home had already received approvals and clearances from the Broome Shire Council and the Department of Aboriginal Sites.

"Mr Tickner has recognised the process adopted by the State Government when dealing with issues of Aboriginal heritage," Mr Prince said.

"Western Australia has a comprehensive process for assessing areas of Aboriginal significance and I am pleased that on this occasion the Federal Minister has recognised this fact."

Mr Prince also rejected claims by the KLC that Aboriginal people were not thoroughly consulted and that the site needed re-surveying.

"Detailed and comprehensive anthropological surveys were carried out by the Aboriginal Sites Department in consultation with the four main Aboriginal corporations in the Broome area in 1993.

"More than 40 Aboriginal people were consulted, including those recognised as the original custodians of the area, and they agreed that the block in question could be built upon.

"Those consulted during the survey had opportunities to review and amend the information they provided before the final reports were produced.

"The advice of those senior Aboriginal consultants was that no Aboriginal sites would be disturbed.

"However, some areas of significance adjacent to the site were identified during the surveys and steps have been taken to make sure they are protected."

Media contact:  Paul Plowman (09) 222 9595