Elder objects to ‘cultural theft’ in plateau development

BUNDJALUNG elder Mickey Ryan is taking a stand against what he called the “cultural theft” of sacred places in the proposed North Lismore Plateau development.

BUNDJALUNG elder Mickey Ryan said he is taking a stand against what he called the "cultural theft" of sacred places in the proposed North Lismore Plateau residential development.

Mr Ryan was one of several Aboriginal stakeholders invited to participate in a cultural heritage assessment of the site that was done by Ian Fox from Converge Heritage on behalf of the developers.

The report presented to Lismore City Council identifies a number of significant Aboriginal sites including water springs, a women's birthing site, scar trees and "a possible burial site" that Mr Ryan says contains seven graves.

The report states that: "The traditional custodian representatives indicated that all four sites were culturally significant and sensitive locations.

"It is important to note that the fragile nature of identified cultural heritage and its associated environment that were encountered during the cultural heritage assessment suggest that these areas would be both easily and irrevocably impacted on by planned project activities, both in relation to identified cultural heritage and also in relation to any further, as yet unidentified, cultural heritage that may exist."

Mr Ryan has sent a strongly worded email to all Lismore councillors saying, "We as Aboriginal people need to take responsibility to keep our culture and traditions going. We as elders need to make sure it is done right for future generations... Cultural genocide is a crime against humanity."

He said he was "taking a stand for all my fallen ancestors" and for other Ryan and Delbridge family members who haven't been recognised as stakeholders.

But is seems Mr Ryan is a lone voice of concern, with the other Aboriginal stakeholders saying they are happy with the process and supportive of the development.

Aunty Thelma James said the other Aboriginal representatives "empathise with Mickey's position" but feel like they've been listened to and "comfortable that significant areas will be protected".

"This is the first time Aboriginal people have been significantly involved in a major project in Lismore," Aunty Thelma said.

She said the culturally significant sites had all been registered with National Parks and Wildlife and that there would be adequate buffer zones around them.

They have been working with Lismore council on the development control plan that will determine where house lots and public space are located.

"We've made suggestions and we've been listened to... I think it is going to complement the work of the Banyam Baigham Landcare at Slaters Creek and the showground information project. I think Aboriginal culture is really being identified in North Lismore for the first time."