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‘Greedy’ major works to transform North Adelaide Golf Course may disturb historical Aboriginal remains

The transformation of the North Adelaide Golf Course into a world-class championship venue risks disturbing ancestral remains, and needs the guidance of traditional owners.

Major works to transform the North Adelaide Golf Course into a world-class 18-hole venue must get the approval of traditional owners as they may disturb historical Aboriginal remains.

The state government is seeking authorisation under the Aboriginal Heritage Act to undertake ground-disturbing works to redevelop the course, in preparation for LIV Golf in 2028.

The government is proposing a new 18-hole Championship Course, driving range and clubhouse, which would affect Park 1 Possum Park and Park 27A John Brown Park.

As part of the project, ground-disturbing works such as large-scale excavation and construction of footings for buildings – potentially up to 5m deep – may be required.

The works risk damaging Aboriginal heritage and may require the excavation of ancestral remains, particularly along the banks of the River Torrens, known as Karrawirra Parri.

Transforming the North Adelaide Golf Course may affect the Piltawodli memorial on the Par 3 Golf Course. Photo: Naomi Jellicoe
Transforming the North Adelaide Golf Course may affect the Piltawodli memorial on the Par 3 Golf Course. Photo: Naomi Jellicoe
The Piltawodli memorial at the North Adelaide Par 3 Golf Course. Photo: Naomi Jellicoe
The Piltawodli memorial at the North Adelaide Par 3 Golf Course. Photo: Naomi Jellicoe

Historically, the River Torrens was used by Aboriginal people for camping, ceremonies and burials and continues to remain of cultural importance to the Kaurna people.

Kaurna Elder, Aunty Lynette Crocker said the area was “steeped” in heritage, and the removal of ancestral remains or artefacts would be “just greedy”.

“Everything is taken and taken, and then people turn and say ‘look, we’re consulting with you what’s the matter’,” she said.

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“All along the Torrens is steeped in Kaurna heritage and culture. There have been 1500 remains taken from all along Karrawirra Parri and boxed up and put in the museum in the past. There are hundreds of artefacts.

“If it happens again for a golf course, it will affect people culturally and spiritually.”

Kaurna Elder Aunty Lynette Crocker is concerned that the transformation of the North Adelaide Golf Course may uncover ancestral remains. Pic Mark Brake
Kaurna Elder Aunty Lynette Crocker is concerned that the transformation of the North Adelaide Golf Course may uncover ancestral remains. Pic Mark Brake

Another historical site that may be affected, known as Piltawodli, was a government mission from 1839 to the mid-1940s, where Kaurna children were taught their own language.

Archaeologist Rhondda Harris has described it as the “earliest ‘allocated space’ for Indigenous people within South Australia”.

Previous surveys have determined that beneath the golf course important archaeological evidence still remains, such as stone artefacts, hearths and remains of brick sheds constructed in 1846.

The government says should Aboriginal remains be found, they would be recovered by a qualified archaeologist in consultation with traditional owners.

Traditional owners and other Aboriginal groups are being asked to give their views on the proposed works by the end of the month, as the government plans to commence construction imminently.

It follows the government last week legislating to take control of the golf course from Adelaide City Council – blindsiding the council with the Lord Mayor overseas at the time.

Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith was part of the announcement that LIV Golf would move to the North Adelaide Golf Course, which has since been taken out of council hands. Picture: Mark Brake
Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith was part of the announcement that LIV Golf would move to the North Adelaide Golf Course, which has since been taken out of council hands. Picture: Mark Brake

The Adelaide Park Lands Authority will hold a protest on Sunday at Parliament House to ‘Protect Possum Park’ from a commercial redevelopment allowing tree and habitat destruction.

Mr Malinauskas has slated LIV Golf to be in North Adelaide from 2028 and previously said negotiations were underway with Grange Golf Club to host the 2027 event.

The club has a four-year deal with LIV Golf and the government to host the event until 2026.

“We’ve got back-up plans if that doesn’t eventuate, but we remain committed to exploring that with the club,” he said, while announcing Adelaide would host the Women’s Australian Open next year.

“We hope to resolve the 2027 question (of the event’s location) in the not too distant future.”

Originally published as ‘Greedy’ major works to transform North Adelaide Golf Course may disturb historical Aboriginal remains

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Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/south-australia/greedy-major-works-to-transform-north-adelaide-golf-course-may-disturb-historical-aboriginal-remains/news-story/c745d9fb8d870abe729a9c7fd49692eb