Geraldton Mayor criticises Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021 as third and final workshops get under way

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn has criticised the proposed Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act saying it goes too far and could delay work by up to 20 weeks. The third and final phase of co-design to support new Aboriginal cultural heritage laws is under way with the release of proposed guidelines to be discussed at more than 30 workshops across WA. Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti said that the workshops, commencing November 14, will provide a third and final opportunity for Aboriginal organisations, industry representatives and local communities to contribute to the design of key regulations and guidelines that will underpin the new Act. These documents will guide land users and proponents through the new system to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage when the new laws come into effect from mid-2023. Setting tiers of ground disturbance activities that could cause harm to Aboriginal cultural heritage will be a key discussion, to determine whether an approval would be required, and whether that should be a permit or a more comprehensive management plan. Mr Van Styn said the council agreed greenfield sites need to be heritage cleared and respect the intent of the law but believe it goes too far. “Existing road reserves and developed sites should be exempt from the need for a heritage survey, especially where works are replacing like for like. For example, shoulder grading existing roads and culvert replacement.” Mr Van Styn highlighted a recent heritage clearance process for replacing an existing culvert that took 20 weeks and cost the council $18,000. “Of great concern is the proposed application of the laws to all properties, including residential, over 2000sqm where something as simple as installing a pool could trigger the laws,” he said. A workshop will be held in Geraldton on Monday, November 28 at the Batavia Coast Conference Centre from 10am-2.30pm. To register visit https://form.jotform.com/222908943445867.