More than 100 Aboriginal artefacts have been covered over after a Tasmanian government agency gave another government agency permission to build a new path in the state’s north.
The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre (TAC) says the tools, estimated to be at least hundreds of years old were damaged during work to build a new walking and cycling track in Launceston’s Trevallyn Reserve.
TAC chief executive Rebecca Digney said it was “deeply distressing”.
“What is so significant about this site is, so much of our cultural heritage has been destroyed, particularly close to cities and towns,” she said.
“This is one site that we had where that heritage was largely intact.“
Rebecca Digney says the site has significant cultural values. (ABC News: Kelsey Reid)
Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania to make ‘further enquiries’
Eleven sites of cultural significance are listed at Trevallyn Reserve on the Tasmanian Aboriginal Site Index.
In March, the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) did two weeks of rehabilitation works, and covered a former gravel track with a compacted imported fill to create a new walking and cycle path.
A spokesperson for Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania (AHT) said the Parks and Wildlife Service sought advice from AHT archaeologists before starting work on the path.
An example of one of the tools. (Supplied: Reuben West)
“Advice was provided that works could proceed without the need for a permit and formal consultation,” the spokesperson said.
“An individual has raised concerns that aboriginal artefacts were interfered with, AHT staff have inspected the site and will conduct further enquiries.“
Documents viewed by the ABC from Aborginal Heritage Tasmania state “the proposed works do not intersect with any locations of Aboriginal heritage”.
They also state that works should proceed with a high degree of caution.
The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service was told it did not need a permit for the works at the Trevallyn Reserve. (ABC News: Kelsey Reid)
An outdoor classroom
At Trevallyn Reserve, 6 kilometres west of Launceston’s city centre, hundreds of Aboriginal tools were scattered near the Reedy Gully Fire Trail.
Ms Digney said the area had been occupied by First Nations people for thousands of generations and the gully would have served as a safe haven during colonisation.
Today, the nature reserve is a recreation area frequented by runners, walkers, cyclists and pet owners.
Reuben West and Joel Williams are regular visitors to Trevallyn Reserve. (ABC News: Kelsey Reid)
For the TAC’s Pakana Rangers, it is an outdoor classroom where they can pass on knowledge that was passed down to them.
Heritage officer Reuben West and ranger coordinator Joel Williams, who are part of the Pakana Rangers program, regularly visit the area to feel connected to their culture.
Mr West said seeing the “irreversible damage” was “quite heartbreaking”.
Trawlwoolway man Reuben West is an Aboriginal heritage officer at the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre. (ABC News: Kelsey Reid)
With ties to Northern Queensland Gangulu traditional owners and Northern Tasmanian Trawlwoolway people, Mr Williams has lived in the state’s north his whole life.
Trevallyn Reserve is his safe place, but he said it no longer held the same meaning it used to.
“There is a bit of a negative story behind this now,” he said.
“We’ve actually lost the physical presence to hold these artefacts, these stone tools … it was heartbreaking to actually see that it’s been paved over.”
Joel Williams says the place now doesn’t hold the same meaning. (ABC News: Kelsey Reid)
New Aboriginal heritage laws open for consultation
A review of the state’s 1975 Aboriginal Heritage Act was released in 2021, with findings showing a new legislation was needed.
“It is clear that the act itself does not provide effective mechanisms for protection, nor does it adequately consider the significance of Aboriginal heritage in the context of Aboriginal culture,” the report stated.
“The Tasmanian government is committed to ensuring that Aboriginal people have a central role in deciding how Aboriginal heritage is to be managed in Tasmania, and this will be a central issue in the consultation process on any new Aboriginal heritage legislation.”
Rebecca Digney says law changes are needed to protect Aboriginal heritage. (ABC News: Kelsey Reid)
A draft of the new Aboriginal Heritage Bill is now open for public consultation.
Ms Digney said there was some catching up to do.
“At the moment what we have in this state is legislation that provides for the destruction of Aboriginal heritage and does very little to protect sacred sites,” she said.
“I think that will continue to happen until we recognise Aboriginal people as being the authority over their own heritage.“
