You may have noticed that work has picked up again behind the fences at Towradgi Point. Here’s what you need to know about this project.
What happened?
In 2021, Wollongong City Council started work on a new footpath along Towradgi Point. The purpose of this project was to repair the old footpath as it had reached the end of its life and needed to be replaced.
During excavation of the site, Aboriginal cultural heritage items were identified. Council paused work and installed temporary fencing so that the appropriate next steps could be taken. This included applying for an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP).
This process can take some time to complete as Council needed to work with key stakeholders, including members of the Aboriginal community, the Department of Planning and Environment, and Heritage NSW.
We’ve now obtained the necessary approvals, and addressed the necessary conditions and requirements, to continue with work at this location.
What was found and how does this discovery add to the city’s heritage?
On Monday 28 August, we held a Community Collection Day. This was a requirement of the AHIP for the site. The Community Collection Day was an opportunity for Aboriginal Community representatives and an archaeologist to carefully sift through the worksite material and identify artefacts.
While we do our best not to disturb Aboriginal heritage artefacts, it’s not uncommon for Council to come across them from time to time, especially when we’re excavating a worksite in a sea-side location.
By taking the time to investigate, analyse and seek community consultation, we can ensure that these artefacts are recorded and treated with respect. Towradgi Point is a site with a long history and this discovery is a reminder to everyone who calls Wollongong home that we live, work, and play on Aboriginal land.
What’s next?
Council has now resumed work on the footpath. We expect that work will wrap up by next week, pending favourable weather conditions.
Did you know?
Wollongong City Council has a formalised commitment to reconciliation. It’s through Council’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan [2021-2023], a strategic document that guides us on the next part of our reconciliation journey.
