Aboriginal heritage protected: Minister

17/3/04
Indigenous Affairs Minister John Kobelke has today reassured indigenous groups that as the Minister responsible for Aboriginal heritage, he is always mindful of the need to protect sites and cultural material.
Mr Kobelke was referring to a protest by members of the Windarling Action Collective, who called on the State Government to ban Portman Mining from expanding its iron ore operations at Windarling, north of Southern Cross.
In July 2003, approval was given under the Aboriginal Heritage Act, allowing expansion of the Koolyanobbing iron ore project in the northern Goldfields.
"In reaching that decision, I considered the views of local Aboriginal people and the committee for Aboriginal Cultural Material," the Minister said.
"The approval was conditional on Portman Iron Ore Limited consulting with registered and unregistered native title groups on material uncovered in the project area.
"Moreover, the indigenous groups most closely associated with the country, including all native title claimants, gave written support for mining under conditions which satisfied them that Aboriginal heritage would be preserved."
An offer was made to the protest group to send a representative to meet with Ministerial officers. However, that proposal was rejected.
Minister's office: 9222 8950