Buff Point fish trap: “I built it myself” says grandad
Is it a rare Indigenous fish trap on the shores of Budgewoi Lake or a rock pool made by a grandfather and his granddaughter last year? Either way, it’s now been officially registered.
Central Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Central Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Coal seam gas exploration cancelled on the Central Coast
- Erina High School Year 12 girls disciplined for semi-naked fountain prank
A BUFF Point grandfather has challenged experts who say they found a historic Indigenous fish trap on the shores of Budgewoi Lake.
The Office of Environment and Heritage has confirmed a rock formation in Budgewoi Lake has been identified as an Aboriginal fish trap and registered on the Aboriginal Heritage Information System.
But John LeMaire, who lives directly in front of the “fish trap”, said the rock formation is actually a rock pool he made with his 8-year-old granddaughter in January 2017.
“Over 12 months ago my granddaughter Kyla asked if we could make our own little rock pool, we are always out at Norah Head exploring the rock pools,” he said.
“So we did. We’ve gone down there and made a rock pool which is two rocks high and has access in and out for fish.
“We put it in the shape of the top end of Australia. It’s been there for over 12 months.”
When Mr LeMaire was told by the local Landcare group that Aboriginal Elders had identified the site as a fish trap, he told them it was his creation and contacted Central Coast Council.
However, he has had no luck getting his message across. He also has photographs of himself making the rock formation.
“This proves it is a no-brainer so why won’t anybody listen?” he said.
“All I want is an answer. Is it heritage protected because of my artwork?”
An OEH spokeswoman said, “A representative of Guringai Tribal Link Aboriginal Corporation identified an Aboriginal fish trap at Buff Point and registered it on OEH’s Aboriginal Heritage Information System (AHIMS) on 24 August 2018. OEH has not inspected the site.”
Identified Australian fish traps are said to be thousands of years old. Often made by natural rocks, fish were herded in through small openings that the locals would quickly close. One of the oldest Indigenous fish traps is said to be at Brewarrina in northern NSW.
Central Coast Councillor Greg Best said he was outraged the decision to register the “fish trap” in Buff Point had been made with no community consultation.
“By looking at this, speaking to John, and recognising it’s the shape of the top end of Australia, raises big question marks,” he said.
“It’s a slap in the face for genuine indigenous protection requirements. We have got to get this right. In respect to clearly identified artefacts, it has to be authentic.”
Council was contacted for comment and referred the Express to local Indigenous groups.