Relocating bodies from Badgerys Creek historic cemeteries to make way for Sydney’s newest airport
BODIES will be relocated from historic cemeteries as soon as the first half of next year to make way for the airport in Badgerys Creek.
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BODIES will be relocated from a handful of historic cemeteries as soon as the first half of 2017 to make way for the airport in Badgerys Creek the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development has said.
Work is being done to help identify any unmarked graves within cemeteries at St John’s Anglican Church, Badgerys Creek Uniting Church, Anschau Vineyard and St Francis Xavier Church.
A department spokesman said a grave audit report was being prepared to assist with determining the scope of the relocation.
“As part of the audit, ground penetrating radar investigations were undertaken over the known cemeteries/grave sites and surrounding areas on the airport site,” the spokesman said.
“Despite this work being undertaken ... a procedure will be put in place and followed in the event that remains are identified during construction.”
A cemeteries relocation management plan is currently being developed.
It will detail the process, but given the sensitive nature, it will not be released to the public and is expected to be finalised by the end of the and the relocation works could commence as soon as the first half of 2017.
“The suggestions made by Liverpool Council in its submission on the draft Environment Impact Statement that heirloom planting mark the site and a photographic inventory be compiled are noted and will be considered in preparing and implementing the cemeteries relocation management plan,” the spokesman said.
The department has been in contact with known relatives for the majority of gravesites within the airport site, providing updates on the process.
Those who believe they may have a family member buried at the Badgerys Creek site should contact the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development on 1800 038 160 or BCplacemanager@infrastructure.gov.au.
WHAT IF UNKNOWN HUMAN REMAINS ARE FOUND?
If human remains are discovered when the Western Sydney Airport is being developed, there are strict guidelines that must be followed.
All construction stops in that location and the site supervisor must notify police.
An anthropologist will inspect the remains, determining its ancestry and antiquity — prehistoric, historic or forensic.
There are a range of approaches, depending on which category the remains fall under.
If it is forensic, the area will be deemed a crime scene.
If it is European, the site is secured and the archaeologist contacted. There are separate rules in place if the remains are indigenous.
Site management is also determined by liaising with the Coroner’s Office, government agencies and the archaeologist.
If the remains are not human, work can commence once all relevant clearances are given.
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