Developers confirm discovery of Aboriginal remains at Riverlea housing site

Traditional owners are investigating the discovery of Aboriginal remains found during construction of the state’s largest housing project.

Traditional owners are investigating the discovery of Aboriginal bones found during construction of the state’s largest housing development in Adelaide’s north.

The remains were found during bulk earthworks being undertaken at the Riverlea project in Buckland Park.

Developer Walker Corporation confirmed the find, which was reported to police on Monday, when work was halted and an exclusion zone created to allow for further investigations in the area.

“This specific area is now under the direction and leadership of the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation (KYAC) to ensure appropriate protection and preservation of the remains, whilst further investigations are undertaken,” a spokesman for Walker Corporation said.

Riverlea during the early stages of construction last year. Picture: Walker Corporation

“We continue to work under the direction of the Kuarna people and in accordance with advice provided by the Department for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, in close collaboration and in accordance with KYAC’s management methodology.”

The spokesman would not confirm the precise location of the discovery, but said it was close to the Gawler River in an area previously used for intensive farming.

He said infrastructure works in the area would only resume once formal approval and clearance had been obtained to allow for works to re-commence.

The Riverlea estate, the state’s biggest master-planned community, will house more than 40,000 people once 12,000 homes are built over the next 20 years.

Artist’s impression of the Riverlea development.

Construction on-site started in February 2021, and the first residents moved in last October.

Stretching across a total area of 1340ha, the development will include 450ha of open space and 50ha of lakes.

The $80m Palms Shopping Village is due to open next year, featuring supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, childcare, medical and wellness facilities.

The Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation has been contacted for comment.

Last December, pre-European Aboriginal remains were found by workers during an SA Water street excavation in Port Lincoln.