2021-03-05
The announcement today of an urgent order protecting Wahluu (also known as Mount Panorama) is a major win for the campaign by Traditional Owners and the community to protect this critical Wiradjuri heritage site.
The interim order was made by Federal Environmental Minister Susan Ley under Section 9 of the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act on the same day Traditional Owners secured an injunction against Bathurst Regional Council the NSW Supreme Court today.
The powerful local community campaign has now successfully halted plans from Bathurst Council to build a go-kart track on this important place, it's time to make the protection permanent. The injunction follows the 17 February motion in the NSW Upper House calling for Wahluu to be protected.
Greens MP and Aboriginal Justice spokesperson David Shoebridge said:
"It is heartening to know that International Women's Day will not see the destruction of sacred women's sites at Wahluu.
"This order by the Federal Environment Minister recognises the importance of the site, and it should result in an order to permanently protect the site.
"There are so many other sites in the Bathurst LGA suitable for a go-kart track which would not destroy priceless Aboriginal heritage.
"We got the support of the NSW Parliament for the protection of Wahluu, and now the Federal Minister has issued an urgent protection order - it's time for Bathurst Council to pull their head in on this planned destruction.
"The campaign by Traditional Owners and community activists has had an important victory today and we stand with them for the permanent protection of Wahluu," Mr Shoebridge said
Media contact: 9230 3030
Documents relating to this available on request