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21 August 2024

The Nature Conservation Council of New South Wales (NCC), the state’s leading environmental advocacy organisation, has today thanked the Federal Minister for Water and the Environment Tanya Plibersek for applying section 10 of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act to protect culturally significant springs that feed the Belubula River in Central-West NSW from being destroyed for a tailings dam.

Regis Resources have approval to develop a mine with a tailings dam on top of the springs which feed the Belubula River. This ruling means the tailings dam will not be able to destroy the springs, which are a culturally significant site for the Wiradyuri People.

Since the federal environment department’s announcement last week, the lobbyists and opposition have come out in force to criticise a decision that should be applauded.

“For too long Indigenous Sacred Sites have been desecrated and destroyed by the mining industry in this country,” said NCC Chief Executive Officer Jacqui Mumford.

“The most high-profile incident of late saw Juukan Gorge destroyed in the Pilbara – that had an ongoing connection and cultural history spanning back 46,000 years.

“This disregard for Sacred Sites can’t keep happening and so we are happy to see this sensible decision from the minister.”

NCC Chief Executive Officer Jacqui Mumford said:

“The Belubula is a beautiful little river that is fed by bubbling springs high in the hills before cascading through rocky gullies and water holes to meet the Lachlan River on the fertile flats below. The planned tailings dam would have destroyed this special river.

“The community of Central West NSW owes an enormous debt of gratitude to the Elders who dedicated their lives to protecting the springs that feed the Belubula River, which will always be there now for everyone to enjoy.

“It was very fitting that the announcement coincided with the put on by the Wiradyuri Traditional Owners Central West Aboriginal Corporation to mark the 200th anniversary of the Proclamation of Martial Law, resistance and survival.

“NCC congratulates Minister Plibersek for not allowing a repeat of the horrific destruction of Juukan Gorge to occur in Central West NSW.”

Statement ends