Tree cutting controversy: Local elder Aunty Carol upset at lack of respect for Aboriginal culture
Aboriginal burial sites and birthing trees could be at risk at Wiley Park if the RMS goes ahead with plans to cut 22 trees for the widening of King Georges Rd in south west Sydney.
ABORIGINAL burial sites and birthing trees could be at risk at Wiley Park if the RMS goes ahead with plans to cut 22 trees for the widening of Canterbury Rd.
According to Aboriginal elder Aunty Carol Carter, some of the trees are more than 100 years old and burial sites could be on the land.
Aunty Carol, who said their Aboriginal culture is being destroyed or ignored by the government, said disturbing burial sites could bring bad luck.
However, an RMS spokesman told the Express they have received clearance from the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council no indigenous objects or sites would be impacted.
“Trees are our libraries and we take youth to learn about the trees, bushland and everything that lives there,” Aunty Carol told the Express.
“We can predict the weather from observing the animals and insects like the ants who will build their mountains when a storm is gathering so that they won’t be washed out.
“Some of the trees at Wiley Park are over a 100 years old and some could be birthing trees.
“Also there could be burial grounds so this area should be preserved.
“Bad luck, like accidents, could happen if these sites are disturbed.”
Aunty Carol, who is originally from Tamworth, was a member of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island committee at the Canterbury Bankstown Council for 10 years before resigning earlier this year.
She is a treasure trove of knowledge about her Aboriginal heritage and is busy writing a book.
“Many people think our history and our links with our spiritual side is a load of rubbish,” Aunty Carol said.
”Our history goes back more than 80,000 years and I am glad the local council listens to us.
“People have to show respect for Aboriginal protocols and spiritualism.
“What we are doing is embracing our spiritual concept.
“Many don’t respect our Aboriginal culture which hurts us a lot.
“For the government, it is all about revenue.
An RMS spokesman said they had carried out ecological assessments at the park at the intersection of King Georges and Canterbury roads, as part of plans to ease congestion for motorists.
“The proposal would require less than one per cent of the park,” he said.
“No Aboriginal scar trees will be impacted.
“The Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council has advised Roads and Maritime that no Aboriginal objects or sites would be impacted by the project.
“No Aboriginal scar trees will be impacted.
“Roads and Maritime is continuing to speak with Canterbury-Bankstown Council on landscaping plans which include replacing the vegetation with five trees for every one removed.
RMS also denied it had acquired land at Stephen’s Reserve, Bankstown, as claimed by the council.
“RMS has not acquired any of Stevens Reserve at Bankstown,” the spokesman said.
“Discussions with council include a potential acquisition of 215 sq m of land, as part of the project to widen Stacey St and Fairford Rd, which is less than 15 per cent of Stevens Reserve.”
Canterbury Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour confirmed to Express they will go ahead with seeking legal advice to stop RMS plans.
“We decided to seek legal advice on the matter and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” the mayor said.
“I understand RMS has now reduced the area it wants to acquire from 740 to 208 sqm, but we don’t believe any land in the reserve should be taken.
“We need to keep our open space for our residents, not lose it.”
■ RMS plans can be found at: bit.ly/2HmibNU
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