NAMBUCCA Valley Council has resolved to support a proposal put forward by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment – Heritage NSW to declare the Bellwood Sacred Site in Nambucca Heads an Aboriginal place under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.

The proposal is in addition to an existing Federal declaration that is in place over the sacred site and the Faringdon Fields.

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“This is an additional layer of protection over the land,” said Nambucca Valley Mayor Rhonda Hoban in describing the purpose of the proposal.

“But the actual issue with the sacred sites and the culturally significant areas still hasn’t been resolved,” she added.

In supporting this proposal Mayor Hoban said she was concerned that an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP) would be required each time Council sought entry to the culturally significant area.

This land contains several sewerage pump stations, road pavements, public roads, stormwater drainage and vegetation and other amenities which the council manages and maintains.

Furthermore, council recently made agreements with Gumbaynggirr elders in relation to the Faringdon Fields which included undertaking routine maintenance and the planting of trees.

Residents of the future lots within the Bellbird Estate will also be required to mow a 31 metre-wide asset protection zone within the Fields as per these agreements.

Council resolved to make a submission to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment – Heritage NSW in support of this proposal under the condition there be no Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit requirements for required maintenance on Council controlled land or infrastructure, or on any activities on the Faringdon Fields which conforms to an agreement with the Gumbaynggirr Elders.

By Ned COWIE