Leweena Williams, representing the Tweed Byron Aboriginal Land Council (TBALC), told councillors at Thursday’s meeting that her organisation stands by their cultural assessment of the Bruns Wallum site, which is slated for urban development by Clarence Property.
The granting of consent by the authorised traditional owners has been one of the most contentious aspects to the campaign to save the rare and endangered ecological site, with claims being made by non-authorised traditional owners that the site is also sacred to them.
A statement on behalf of Arakwal Corp was read out regarding their support of the Wallum DA.
Williams said consultation occurred in 2009, with two surveys completed by Bundjalung of Byron Bay Aboriginal Corporation (BOBBAC) and Arwakwal. In 2011, their report found significant vegetation and plants within the area, an animal corridor 150m along Simpsons Creek, and moderate level of disturbance at the site. ‘No significant sites were identified in the area, but there was a significant pathway between Tyagarah and Brunswick Heads’.
Further investigation is needed, they said, including investigations on site maps. Continued cultural monitoring would occur, the board added.
Save Wallum advocate James Barrie told The Echo he contacted Arakwal and TBALC asking about the 2009 survey. ‘They only replied a sentence something to the effect that their consultants would have done a proper assessment. I queried further about the assessment, and had no further response’.
The Save Wallum group claimed on social media that they attempted to contact the TBALC on October 18 last year, and ‘a response was not provided’.
Save Wallum member, Angie Darling, posted the letter in full, which said their review of the Aboriginal Cultural Assessment found many areas not surveyed.
She also shared information around a similar case that went to court, Iron Gates Pty Ltd v Richmond River Shire Council [2006], and said the court found its cultural assessment plans for the site were inadequate.
‘Should the matter proceed to the courts’, Ms Darling said, her group will be drawing on that precedent.
Save Wallum advocate James Barrie told The Echo, ‘I also contacted Arakwal and TBALC early on in September, asking about the 2009 survey. They only replied a sentence something to the effect that their consultants would have done a proper assessment. I queried further about the assessment, and had no further response’.
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