Mingaletta opposes sand mine extension

The Mingaletta Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation in Umina has joined with the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council to protect sacred sites near a proposed extension to the Calga Sand Quarry.

Mingaletta Women's Group elder Ms Barbara Grew said: "This is a sacred birthing and ceremonial site and it's only 100 metres from the existing mine, so any extension would obviously put the site in danger," she said.

"This is very important to us.

"It's a place where we can go and see our history.

"It's a place where we feel we belong", said

"We're hoping that by joining forces with Darkinjung LALC we'll finally gain the proper attention and respect of the State Government and stop the quarry extension," she said.

Darkinjung chairperson Ms Jenny Hayes said that the position of the Land Council was to object to the proposed southern extension.

"There are other significant sites in the area and due to the dense scrub there is every possibility of undiscovered sites.

"The Aboriginal Heritage Assessment commissioned by Rocla into the area states that large sections were unable to be surveyed due to thick undergrowth and other factors, so Rocla simply doesn't know what's there.

"We suggested a burn off to reveal any other sites, but that hasn't happened.

"In addition, there are other known sites of Aboriginal significance in the area including rock engravings and a cave shelter with art.

"The most critical aspect here is that these sites cannot be assessed in isolation from their surroundings, there is a broader cultural landscape that must be considered", said Ms Hayes.

The site has been noted by cultural heritage expert Ms Jo McDonald as "a rare occasion for engraved sites" due to the association of the engraving of the woman with stone arrangements.

In total, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has 180 Aboriginal objects and places recorded within or near the suggested project zone.

Media Release, 17 Feb 2012 Sean Gordon, Darkinjung LALC