Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Destruction at Bromelton Quarry, Queensland

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Destruction at Bromelton Quarry, Queensland

News at a glance:

• In Queensland, ongoing threats to Aboriginal cultural heritage at Bromelton Quarry requires immediate action to prevent irreversible damage.

• Bromelton Quarry is on a significant landscape feature with numerous cultural modified trees and artefact sites.

• Danggan Balun culturally modified trees have been mysteriously dying, with more at risk from imminent quarry expansion plans.

• Bromelton Quarry Pty Ltd pays scant regard to its cultural heritage duty of care obligations.

• The State have failed in its obligations to support Danggan Balun people to protect their cultural heritage.

The heritage and cultural significance of the Bromelton Quarry area in Queensland is under severe threat, with recent site inspections and reports revealing the presence of multiple Aboriginal cultural heritage sites that are at risk due to quarry extension plans.

Under the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (Qld), Significant Aboriginal Objects and Significant Aboriginal Areas are meant to be protected. However, once again this legislation is facilitating the destruction of significant Aboriginal heritage.

Commencing in December 2015, numerous assessments, and inspections over a seven-year period have been conducted at the Bromelton Quarry site by heritage consultants Converge Heritage and Everick Heritage, with ongoing advice and cultural inputs from representatives of the Mununjali and Danggan Balun People.

“[Queensland] public and stakeholders need to know about the ongoing threat to Aboriginal cultural heritage at Bromelton Quarry.” says Shaun Davies, Cultural Heritage Coordinator at Danggan Balun Aboriginal Corporation “We have continuously worked to protect these sites, but our pleas seem to fall on deaf ears. The proposed quarry extension threatens our cultural legacy." he said.

The initial assessment conducted by Conducted by Converge Heritage with representatives from Mununjali People, Elder George Currie, and Germain Paulson revealed an extensive cultural landscape featuring ancient scar trees, artefacts, and a freshwater spring in an open woodland. Associated with the nearby area of Bromelton, one of the original homesteads, and birthplace of numerous Mununjali ancestors.

The following year in January 2016 recommendations were made for the establishment of a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) to ensure legislative compliance and appropriate management of cultural heritage matters.

Representatives of Danggan Balun Aboriginal Corporation identified eight Aboriginal cultural heritage sites during a site inspection on 28 October, 2021, and, on 14 August, 2023 a second site inspection revealed the presence of a previously unidentified scar tree and confirmed additional cultural heritage sites within the project area.

During the August 2023 inspection, one previously identified scar tree was found dead in suspicious circumstances, raising concerns about deliberate harm to these heritage sites. Despite satellite imagery showing bulldozer tracks leading directly to a knocked over culturally modified tree, the State refused to undertake a proper investigation.

Despite the commissioned reports confirming the presence of significant cultural Aboriginal heritage sites within the proposed extension area of Bromelton Quarry, preparations led by Groundwork Plus indicate that quarry operations will proceed.

“We are calling for immediate action to prevent irreversible damage” Mr Davies said, confirming quarry contractors Barro Group, Groundwork and other contractors seeking to undertake work on the project area have been put on notice by Queensland South Native Title Services (QSNTS).

- End of Release –

Attributable Quotes:

Shaun Davies, representative of the Danggan Aboriginal Corporation "We have continuously worked to protect these sites, but our pleas seem to fall on deaf ears. The proposed quarry extension threatens our cultural legacy."

Tim Robins, Director of Everick Heritage and Everick Foundation “This case illustrates the all too familiar failure of the current legislative regime to protect Indigenous heritage in Queensland. Significant Aboriginal heritage has been harmed, more harm is likely, yet the State seems to be content to sit on its hands and watch it all unfold.”

Media Enquiries:

Shaun Davies, Danggan Balun Aboriginal Corporation, shaun.davies@alumni.griffithuni.edu.au