Protesters chain themselves to save priceless Aboriginal artefacts
PROTESTERS chained themselves to the entry of a construction site on Thompson Square, Windsor, on Monday morning before officers from the Hawkesbury Local Area Command removed them peacefully.
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PROTESTERS chained themselves to the entry of a construction site on Thompson Square, Windsor, on Monday morning before officers from the Hawkesbury Local Area Command removed them peacefully.
Members from Heritage Act, Hawkesbury Wobblers and the Greens, were protesting against the destruction of what they claim are ancient Aboriginal artefacts on the one of the oldest town centres in Australia.
Hawkesbury councillor Pete Reynolds, a member of Heritage Acts, said this was a stand which had to be made. The chains were cut by the police rescue squad after a few hours where the protesters sang We Shall Not Be Moved.
RMS said they taking special care of the Aboriginal artefacts on the site while saying they are managing the material believed to be asbestos and there is no threat to the community.
“These Aboriginal artefacts go back to more than 30,000 years and once they are gone, they are gone,” Reynolds said.
“We made a point and it was a peaceful protest where we sang and chanted a bit.
“The protesters were given three warnings after which the chains were cut by the police rescue squad.
“The police were very good.
“We had to make a stand because the government should know they cannot do this.
“We only found out yesterday morning about the work at the site when the RMS did their letter drop so we had to do something urgently.
Chief Inspector Stuart Davis told the Rouse Hill Times there were no arrests though they had to give three warnings before the chains were cut and protesters removed.
“Police were called to the Old Bridge Street around 7.30am and on arrival, police identified about 25-30 protesters at the construction site with a small number of people,” Chief Insp Davis said.
“Police requested the protesters to move to access the site.”
He said it took them more than two hours to remove the protesters and provide access to the two RMS contractors to enter the site.
“It was resolved without any violence,” Chief Insp Davis said.
Roads and Maritime Services said as part of an archaeological investigation program, salvage work is being carried out to minimise the potential impact on heritage sites within the project area and all artefacts will be analysed by archaeologists.
This was the first time those protesting against the planned new bridge have chained themselves to prevent work with Mr Reynolds predicting more in the future if the government does not change its plans.
The protesters were supported by Greens MP David Shoebridge, Hawkesbury Mayor Mary-Lyons-Buckett and councillors Emma-Jane Garrow and John Ross among others.
“The salvage work involves excavating the north-eastern part of Thompson Square to document and recover any heritage artefacts which may be within the area,” a RMS spokesman said.
“Maritime investigations and minor salvage work is also being carried out at the old wharf next to the Hawkesbury River.
“To allow for the Aboriginal sand body heritage salvage to be completed, two trees and a branch on an adjoining tree will be removed.
“All trees will be replaced in line with the urban design and landscape strategy.
“All artefacts found will be catalogued and analysed by archaeologists.
“Work is being carried out in close consultation with relevant stakeholders, including Aboriginal groups.”
Reynolds said: “The RMS will be doing work on around 150 sqm which will have tens of thousands of Aboriginal artefacts.
“This will destroy not only Aboriginal artefacts but also those of the early settlers.”
Harry Terry, president of the long-term occupiers of Thompson Square, Community Action for Windsor Bridge, said they support anyone who is against the new bridge,” so long as they do it legally”.
“The whole bridge project is quite bizarre because the new bridge will only add more traffic to the old square,” Mr Terry said.
“Every town in NSW has a bypass except us and that’s what we want the government to build.”
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