Hannah Hammoud
Brimbank council has clarified that there have been no Indigenous artefacts found on site at Sunshine Energy Park.
Last week Star Weekly published an article following the council meeting held on May 21, which said council decided to move ahead with its vision for the Sunshine Energy Park (SEP) development, despite reports revealing the presence of Indigenous artefacts on site.
During the meeting, councillor Maria Kerr referenced a report that said Indigenous artefacts were found on site.
“I’d like to clarify… I had a read through the report and there were found to be some Indigenous artefacts found on that site, and my concerns are with what happened at Green Gully recently. I don’t want to find ourselves eight years into the planning process and spending $2 million worth of rate payers’ money. What kind of guarantees can you give that we’re not going to be in this situation at [Sunshine] Energy Park?,” Cr Kerr asked.
Council officers did not dispute the reference to Indigenous artefacts found and said that while no guarantees could be made, due diligence would be carried out where required.
In a statement issued on council’s website, council said in developing the Sunshine Energy Park vision plan, it undertook a due diligence process led by an expert cultural heritage consultant.
“This involved a review of the historic registers and lists, including national, commonwealth and international heritage lists, the Victorian Heritage Register, the Victorian Heritage Inventory, the Brimbank council heritage overlay, the National Trust (Victoria) register, and the register of the National Estate,” the statement said.
“The investigation included random in-ground probes to areas immediately surrounding the old quarry and landfill area on the proposed Park site.”
Council said as a result it was advised that there are four registered Aboriginal Places recorded within 200 metres of the Sunshine Energy Park site. None of these sites are within the boundaries of Sunshine Energy Park.
“Council adheres to its legal obligations under the Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2018 and requirements, which would include preparing a cultural heritage management plan for any future projects, which may include further in-ground probes,” the statement continued.
“Cultural heritage management plans are a requirement for this site as it is located within an area of Aboriginal cultural sensitivity due to its proximity to the local waterways.”
