Commitment to protecting Aboriginal sacred sites

The State Government's commitment to recording and protecting significant Aboriginal sites has been demonstrated in the Budget, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Judyth Watson said.

"Funding for the Department of Aboriginal Sites has almost doubled," she said.

"This will ensure significant Aboriginal sites are recorded and protected for the benefit of Aboriginal people and the community generally.

"The additional resources will enable the establishment of regional Aboriginal committees to provide advice on Aboriginal heritage issues."

Dr Watson said Aboriginal people were taking more responsibility for their heritage.

"There has been a big increase in the number of requests from Aboriginal communities and organisations to document and protect sites of significance," she said.

"This has meant an increased need for regular monitoring, adequate management and physical protection of sites.

"There is also a need for broad based community education regarding Aboriginal heritage issues, site significance and protection."

Dr Watson said the Aboriginal Sites Department would also:

·         implement protection and commemoration plans for the Rottnest Island Aboriginal cemetery;

·         implement management plans for Lily Creek and Padjari Manu;

·         prepare management plans for Nickol River and Deep Gorge;

·         implement management projects at Mulkas Cave and The Granites;

·         monitor Two Mile Ridge project;

·         apply protection measures at Borden Graves;

·         complete conservation and protection measures at the Hamersley burial tree;

·         establish regional offices in Port Hedland, Derby and Midland.  Funding for the Department of Aboriginal Sites has been increased to $2.026 million.

An estimated $535,000 would be spent in 1992-93 to ameliorate the effects of natural and human action on Aboriginal sites.

An estimated $706,000 would be used to reduce conflict over land use with respect to Aboriginal heritage, to review development applications and to increase knowledge about the distribution and significance of Aboriginal sites.

An Aboriginal Heritage Authority would be established to take over the existing role of the Western Australian Museum's Aboriginal Sites Department and an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Commission would be set up to assist in the preservation and promotion of cultural matters.