Arm End developer faces court over charges of damaging Aboriginal relics
The developer behind a proposed golf course and outdoor activities project has faced court for the first time over allegedly damaging Aboriginal relics. What the developer has to say.
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Developers behind the proposed Arm End Golf Course have faced court over allegedly destroying or interfering with Aboriginal relics.
On Friday, Jack Chrapot, the director and secretary of Mary Ann’s Island, appeared in the Hobart Magistrates Court on behalf of the company for the first time after it was charged with four counts of destroying, damaging, defacing, concealing, or otherwise interfering with an Aboriginal relic without a permit.
The charges relate to the developer’s 116ha Gellibrand Point nature recreation site in Opossum Bay, currently the proposed location for its Arm End Golf Course and walking tracks approved by Clarence City Council in 2013.
Court documents allege that the developer interfered with the Aboriginal relics between November 2014 and August 2022.
It comes as the directors for the South Arm Irrigation Scheme announced on Wednesday the completion of the project for next year, providing 900 megalitres of water to the Gellibrand Point site and the surrounding South Arm Peninsula.
Magistrate Reg Marron granted an adjournment without plea, with the company to return to court on October 17.
The directors of Mary Ann’s Island released a joint statement after the court appearance, stating it “strongly disputes and denies the charges”.
“As the current custodians of the land, we are acutely aware of our responsibility to respect and protect Aboriginal heritage, and at all times we have acted in accordance with the law and within the conditions of our existing permits,” the statement said.
The website for the Arm End development describes Gellibrand Point as Aboriginal land and “one continuous cultural landscape and living place of the Mumirimina people”.
“Our vision as a temporary custodian is to manage this spectacular place as an exclusive Aboriginal cultural landscape, creating an extraordinary, world-class, accessible, multi-use recreation space for Tasmanians and visitors to experience,” the website states.
“Restoring the traditional land of the Mumirimina People of the South East Nation to create a multi-use public recreation reserve at South Arm Peninsula for all to enjoy.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Arm End developer faces court over charges of damaging Aboriginal relics
Launceston man charged with rape
A Launceston man has been charged with rape and is set to appear in court. Details.
Tassie left off the list for upcoming Kylie tour
Tasmania has been left off the list of destinations for Kylie Minogue’s upcoming ‘Tension’ tour, and the state’s Deputy Premier says if we had a stadium, it might not be the case.